The President’s Office website states that ratification of this Act further demonstrates the stance of Maldives’ government in response to the atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the people of Palestine.
Maldives President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, on Tuesday ratified an amendment to the Immigration Act, which effectively bans entry to Maldives by holders of Israeli passports.
The Bill was passed in Parliament earlier in the day with unanimous votes from all MPs across party lines.
The President’s Office website states that ratification of this Act further demonstrates the stance of Maldives’ government in response to the atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the people of Palestine.
He said that Maldives remains steadfast in advocating for accountability for violations of international law and in condemning Israel’s actions against Palestine.
The motion to ban Israeli passport holders from entering Maldives was proposed by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for South Galolhu Meekail Ahmed Naseem on May 29 last year. The bill was reviewed and passed in the Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) yesterday after having been stalled for 308 days. It was then passed in parliament today.
As per the newly ratified amendment to the Immigration Act, travellers coming to Maldives via Israeli passports will not be allowed entry. However, Israeli passport holders can also enter the country if they have dual citizenship, and travel through passports from another country.