President Ratifies Amendment to Immigration Act, Banning Israeli Passport Holders Entry to Maldives

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the third amendment to the Maldivian Immigration Act yesterday.

He ratified this amendment after the parliament approved it during yesterday’s session. This amendment introduces new provisions to the Immigration Act, prohibiting individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the Maldives. 

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The proposed amendment, initially submitted by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was first accepted by Parliament on May 29, 2023. After a prolonged period during which the bill was stalled in Parliament, the Parliamentary Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) approved the bill on Monday, incorporating new amendments that narrowed the scope of the originally proposed changes.

Initially, the bill sought to prohibit entry to any Israeli nationals. However, following a request from Maldives Immigration and in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, the committee revised the bill to restrict the ban only to individuals using Israeli passports for entry. This means those holding dual citizenship or passports from other countries will still be permitted entry.

According to the President’s Office, the ratification reflects the Government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

“The Government of Maldives reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause and its enduring commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of the Palestinian people. The Maldives continues to advocate for accountability for violations of international law and remains vocal across various international platforms in its condemnation of Israel’s actions,” the President’s Office said in their statement regarding the ratification of the amendment.