PNC Parliamentary Leader Calls for Palestine’s Word on Israeli Passport Ban

The leader of the parliamentary group for the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), Ibrahim Falah, has proposed that the Maldives consult Palestine and other Arab nations as part of the legislative process to decide on a contentious bill seeking to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country.

The bill, originally submitted by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on 29 May, seeks to amend Article 8 of the Immigration Act to bar all Israeli citizens, including those with dual citizenship, from entry. While President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet endorsed legislative changes to ban Israeli passports on 2 June, the MDP’s earlier bill had already been under parliamentary review.

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After months of delay, the National Security Services Committee began its review of the bill on 12 November. During the committee’s discussions on Monday, Falah, representing the Inguraidhoo constituency, urged caution in advancing the legislation. Highlighting the complexity of the issue, he pointed out that Israel is home to many Muslim citizens and emphasised the need for broader consultation.

Falah called for thorough deliberations and warned against rushing the bill “for political gain.” His remarks drew a response from Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, an MDP lawmaker and committee member, who reminded the PNC of the administration’s prior commitment. “This is not about the MDP saying something. This is about the government coming out and announcing that they will ban Israeli passports,” Ghafoor said, cautioning against making promises that cannot be fulfilled.

The committee has set February 2025 as the deadline for its review, aiming to consult diverse stakeholders before making a final decision. Protests have erupted across Malé, with demonstrators demanding stronger action against Israel, including a total ban on its citizens entering the Maldives.