Bill submitted to enforce total ban on Israeli passport holders entering Maldives

A bill has been introduced to the People’s Majlis to amend the Maldives Immigration Act to impose a total ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country.

The first reading of the government-sponsored bill, introduced by Mohamed Dawood, Member of Parliament for the North Kulhudhuffushi constituency, has been scheduled for Monday's parliamentary sitting.

The stated objective of the bill is to establish Maldives Immigration as a distinct civil service entity responsible for managing and overseeing the nation's immigration affairs. It aims to define the operational framework for the service, establish general and specific regulations governing entry into and departure from the Maldives, and set forth the procedures for issuing passports to Maldivian citizens for international travel.

Furthermore, the bill aims to establish and define immigration policies and procedures within a robust legal framework. This includes regulations governing the entry and residency of foreign nationals, as well as the protocols for handling individuals who lack valid authorization to enter or remain in the Maldives.

The bill outlines the categories of individuals who are prohibited from entering the Maldives. This includes persons deemed to be a threat to national sovereignty or security, members of terrorist organizations, and those suspected of having links to such groups or identified as terrorists. Furthermore, the list encompasses individuals who have committed or are suspected of committing offenses classified as crimes under international law.

Furthermore, this includes individuals indicted or subject to arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court, those listed by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), fugitives fleeing justice or investigations in other countries, and individuals previously deported from the Maldives with a re-entry ban.

While the bill explicitly states that Israeli passport holders are strictly prohibited from entering the Maldives, the current legal framework mandates that this entry ban remain in effect until the ongoing attacks against Palestine are halted.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday regarding the bill, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that Maldives Immigration will also investigate matters concerning dual citizens among Israeli passport holders.

Regarding the issue of dual passports, it is not just the Maldives; immigration authorities worldwide follow established standards to vet individuals before granting entry. In contrast, the Real Estate Bill specifies in even greater detail that no Israeli citizen or Israeli company shall be afforded such opportunities, and this is a measure that can be implemented.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

The bill encompasses the development of immigration offices and staff training initiatives, alongside the establishment of service protocols and the strengthening of the legal framework governing immigration policies and procedures.