Requests for change of citizenship status hindered by conflicts in laws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that applications of Maldivians who want to change their citizenship status can only be granted after amending the current citizenship laws.

While appearing on RaajjeTV's "FalaSuruhee" programme on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Humaid said that many Maldivians have applied to change their citizenship status, usually after marrying a foreigner and settling in their spouse's native country. Nevertheless, their requested have not been granted due to conflicts in our country's citizenship legislation, said Humaid.

According to Humaid, the current obstacle in changing citizenship status is caused by amendments made to citizenship laws, and the lack of detailed regulations associated with these amendments.

He explained that these amendments are in conflict with the constitution, therefore, putting a halt in the processing of citizenship change requests.

He also added that there have been many applications for Maldivian citizenship by people settling in the Maldives. However, their requests have not been granted due to the our citizenship laws that demands several requirements to qualify. Humaid explained that the ministry's role in these circumstances is to check if the applicant meets the specified requirements, and forward eligible applicants to the President's Office as they are responsible for the final decision.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also revealed that several people have applied for Maldivian citizenship after residing in the Maldives for a certain period of time and fulfilling all the requirements. The ministry states that they advocate on behalf of such applicants and as such, two people have recently been granted citizenship.