James Dauris, the British Ambassador to the Maldives, has criticized the government order for local councils to seek permission prior to meeting members or diplomats of foreign nations and organizations.

Dauris on Twitter said that it was the “latest unfortunate step in Maldives.”

Dauris also posted a picture of him meeting with GDh. Thinadhoo representatives, and said that the order was issued after their meeting earlier that day.

Local Government Authority (LGA), on Monday, issued a circular announcing that local councils need permission from the home ministry prior to meeting foreign organizations.

Councils that do not seek permission will be penalized, said the authority.