Parliament's Security Services Committee (241 Committee) decided today that the proposed amendment to the Immigration Act, which would ban Israeli passport holders from entering Maldives, cannot be addressed during the current parliament session.
The amendment, initially introduced to Parliament on May 29, remains under committee review.
Five months after the Maldives first announced plans to ban Israeli passport holders, the 241 Committee met to set a timeline for finalizing the bill, with members noting its sensitive nature and the need for further consultations.
Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan speaking at the committee meeting said that the bill would likely be completed by February next year, as Parliament is scheduled to go on recess in December.
Supporting the timeline, Maafannu North MP Mohamed Nazim highlighted the importance of consulting multiple parties, given the current economic challenges.
Nazim, who is also the president of the Maldives National Party (MNP), described the bill as politically motivated, stating, "I believe this was influenced by some to assert power over us, particularly to embarrass the government before the people."
Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, a member of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), agreed, emphasizing the need to consider economic stability and sovereignty alongside political factors.
MP Shahid said that any decision should be approached cautiously, weighing the interests of investors, political parties, and the public.
The committee unanimously agreed to vote on the bill by the end of February next year.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham previously said that passing the bill as is would pose difficulties for the Maldives. He said that the clause banning all Israeli passport holders would not be the best way forward as there are Palestinians who travel on Israeli passport as well.
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