MP Gasim against the bill to ban Israel passport

Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim has voiced out against the bill seeking to ban Israel passports in view of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

The bill was proposed by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). It calls for an amendment to the Immigration Act which would in effect ban entry for Israel passport holders into the Maldives.

The bill states that dual passport holders also be banned should one of these passports be from Israel.

In today's debate on the bill, Gasim called for deep reflection before banning residents of one of the harams visited in Umrah and jews from entering the Maldives.

He also stated that the stipulation regarding banning of dual passport holders have been included without conducting the necessary research, and without sufficient consideration for its effects.

"As I see it, it is a political tool being used to bring PNC's presidency to an end and to create animosity in people's hearts," he alleged.

He said that as Maldives is the first muslim country to present an issue like this in parliament, it needs deep consideration. He asserted that this is not out of a lack of empathy for the people of Palestine, but that much consideration has to go in before taking a major step such as this.

"I am not going to comment on the incumbent government's stand on this. It is the members of this parliament who are chosen to represent the people. Any decision reached by this parliament must be one that reflects on the future of Maldives, our security and protection," he said.

Gasim said that if safety is compromised, there is nothing left, and called on the parliament to make the decision with patience and not impulsively.

Meekail responded to Gasim's allegations on intentions behind proposing the bill, stating that the same issue had been raised in the 19th Parliament as well, with a resolution having been passed to ban the Israeli passport.

The government, too, has announced its intention to bring about this amendment to the law.

Last year, approximately 11,000 tourists came to the Maldives from Israel. This is a 30 percent decrease from the previous year. From last December till April this year, 528 tourists have arrived from Israel.