MP Nazil: Maldives Remains 100 Percent Muslim Due to No Permanent Residency for Foreigners
5 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 15:54MP for Hithadhoo South Constituency, Ibrahim Nazil, has warned that leasing land to a foreign company for a long-term period under the Ras Male' project could jeopardize the Maldives' independence and Islamic unity. Expressing concern that allowing foreigners to establish residency in the country could pave the way for religious pluralism, the MP called for the preservation of the nation's status as a 100 percent Muslim state for future generations.
Ibrahim Nazil, Member of Parliament for the South Hithadhoo constituency and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group, delivers his remarks during Monday's session of the People's Majlis. | RaajjeMV
The Maldives has remained a hundred percent Muslim nation because previous opportunities for foreigners to establish permanent residency were rejected, and this stance must be maintained today, stated Ibrahim Nazil, Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group.
Speaking at Monday's parliamentary sitting, MP Nazil warned that the long-term consequences of allowing foreign nationals to settle on Maldivian soil would be devastating. The lawmaker further highlighted that Article 251(a) of the Constitution explicitly prohibits the ownership of any part of Maldivian territory by a foreign entity.
Regarding the allocation of a significant portion of Ras Male' to Eagle Hills for 99 years, MP Nazil stated that there is a vast difference between leasing land for resorts and the land allocation under the Ras Male' project, and that the public cannot be deceived on this matter. He noted that resorts operate under an entirely different concept, whereas the current plan involves selling land intended for long-term residential use. MP Nazil further highlighted that under the terms where land is leased for 99 years with an option to extend for another 99 years in the 98th year, it remains unclear how long this arrangement could ultimately persist.
If we grant such an opportunity to foreign entities today, then as I have stated, the very next day they will use the pretext of religious freedom to exploit their financial influence and sell off our sovereignty.Ibrahim Nazil
Furthermore, MP Nazil emphasized the responsibility of ensuring that the Maldives is passed down to future generations as a nation that remains one hundred percent Muslim. He further stated that citizens must demand their representatives act in a manner that preserves the nation's Islamic identity and stressed that these are issues that must be openly discussed.
