A motion has been proposed to repeal the law allowing foreign ownership of land in Maldives.

The law allows foreign investors to reclaim and own land in Maldives territory.

The motion was proposed by South-Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), who said that many citizens disapprove of the law.

The constitutional amendment to allow foreign ownership of land was proposed by PPM’s Parliamentary Group leader Ahmed Nihan.

The bill was passed on 22 July 2015 and Rifau was one of the 70 MPs that voted in favor. Other MPs who gave their vote include members of the government coalition as well as some from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Jumhooree Party (JP).