The Committee on National Security Services (241) has approved a proposal to ban entry into the Maldives for holders of Israeli passports, in response to ongoing atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.
The decision was made after several rounds of discussions on the bill, which will now be forwarded to Parliament for a vote.
One of the key amendments introduced narrows the ban to specifically target individuals applying for entry with an Israeli passport, rather than enforcing a blanket restriction on all Israeli nationals or dual citizens. The committee noted that many Israeli citizens possess passports from other countries, meaning those holding such dual citizenship may still be allowed to enter the Maldives using non-Israeli travel documents.
The enforcement of the ban will rely on information provided by Maldives Immigration.
The bill was originally submitted on May 29, 2023, by MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem amid growing calls within the country to cut ties with Israel until its military actions against Palestinians are halted. The decision reflects strong public sentiment and rising pressure on the government to take a firmer stance in support of Palestine.
The decision was made after several rounds of discussions on the bill, which will now be forwarded to Parliament for a vote.
One of the key amendments introduced narrows the ban to specifically target individuals applying for entry with an Israeli passport, rather than enforcing a blanket restriction on all Israeli nationals or dual citizens. The committee noted that many Israeli citizens possess passports from other countries, meaning those holding such dual citizenship may still be allowed to enter the Maldives using non-Israeli travel documents.
The enforcement of the ban will rely on information provided by Maldives Immigration.
The bill was originally submitted on May 29, 2023, by MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem amid growing calls within the country to cut ties with Israel until its military actions against Palestinians are halted. The decision reflects strong public sentiment and rising pressure on the government to take a firmer stance in support of Palestine.
