Local Government Authority (LGA) has nullified Dh Rinbudhoo Council’s decision to ban visitors from the island, unless permitted.

In a notice by the Council last week, they said that, due to complaints of littering by some visitors, non-residents can now only enter the island with the permission of the council, after an island resident vouches and takes responsibility for them.

LGA has sent a letter to Rinbudhoo Council President Khatim Ibrahim, stating that the decision goes against the Constitution and the Decentralisation Act.

In the letter, LGA noted that the decision violates Article 41(a) of the Constitution, which states that every citizen has the freedom to enter, remain in and leave the Maldives, and to travel within the Maldives.

The decision also violates Article 17(a), which states that everyone is entitled to the rights and freedoms included in this Chapter without discrimination of any kind, including race, national origin, colour, sex, age, mental or physical disability, political or other opinion, property, birth or other status, or native island, said LGA.

The letter, signed by LGA’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Shafeeq Mahmood, requested the Council to seek the advice of the atoll council and LGA before making decisions that concern citizens.