Individuals with Israeli passports will be banned from entering the Maldives once the proposed amendment to the Immigration Act is passed, Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has stated.
An amendment to the Immigration Act to prevent the entry to the Maldives to holdings Israeli passports and as well as dual citizenship involving Israel was proposed by Galolhu South MP Mikaeel Ahmed Naseem. The amendment to the Immigration Act was referred to the Security Services Committee (241 Committee) on June 10, 2024.
In a written response to a question posed by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim regarding the delay in implementing the June 2, 2024 decision to ban Israeli passports, Minister Khaleel clarified that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu made the decision to ban Israel passports in June 2024 on the advice of the Cabinet. However, implementing the decision requires amendments to the Immigration Act, he stated.
“The proposed amendment to the Act is currently under consideration by the Security Services Committee of the Parliament, which is conducting discussions with relevant authorities,” Khaleel said.
The minister emphasised that once the amendment is ratified into the law, it would enable the enforcement of the government's decision.