MDP raises concerns over delay in Israeli passport ban

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in a press conference held today, questioned the government's intentions and raised concern over the government's approach in banning the entry of Israeli passport holders in to the country.

Speaking with local press on behalf of MDP's parliamentary group, South Galolhu MP Meekail Naseem said that the party would have welcomed the government's decision to ban Israel's passports had it taken the approach of directly implementing the ban through a presidential decree.

However, the government's decision will only delay the process, he said, in response to the government's announcement yesterday to amend the law in order to impose the ban.

"We don't know the duration of when this will happen, we don't know if it would even happen. We're hearing that the government plans to introduce a bill to the parliament while a bill already exists in the parliament," he said, referring to the bill he submitted to the parliament last week.

In his bill - which is the first bill that has been submitted since the 20th People's Majlis (parliament) commenced, MP Meekail proposed to amend the Immigration Act as a pathway to ban Israelis from entering the country.

"This is something which can also be done via a presidential decree. Their supermajority is not lacking in the parliament. So an MP from their party [People's National Congress] can submit a bill today itself, but the delay in this [process] is a big concern for us, " he said.

MP Mauroof Zakir of of Kendhoo constituency added that banning the Israeli passport is something which the president can implement, considering there are no laws that prohibit it.

He further said that MDP's proposed bill should be scheduled for today.

"The bill's first address should be scheduled for today, that is as per policy, [and] there is no other bill that's been submitted [yet]," he said, accusing the government of not having the best intentions behind the ban.

During yesterday's press conference in which Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan announced the government's decision on Israeli passports, a member of the press clarified why the government moved to amend the law instead of President Dr Muizzu exercising his constitutional right as head of state.

In response, Minister Ihusan explained that this was the recommendation of Attorney General Usham, based on the existing laws.

“The constitution also discourages singling out specific countries, interpreting the law this way and placing restrictions. We’re exploring the fastest legal route to do this. As such, we believe that entry restrictions into Maldives can be placed via law. We’re recommending to research those laws and amend them,” Minister Ihusan said.

“Our objective is, as I just highlighted, to amend the laws in order to stop the entry into Maldives with Israeli passports.”

In addition to MP Meekail's bill, a decree was passed and forwarded to the President's Office by the former MDP led 19th parliament, requesting the president to ban Israeli nationals from visiting the country.