Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam has warned that crimes committed by Maldivians overseas could damage the reputation of the Maldivian passport and make travel and residency more difficult for other citizens.

Speaking to Mihaaru News on Monday, Minister Iruthisham urged Maldivians travelling to or living in other countries to respect local laws and regulations, saying the actions of a few individuals could have consequences for the wider population.

“The undesirable behavior of one or two people is causing visa issues and similar problems for other citizens,” she said.

Minister Iruthisham said the Maldives had a reputation as a friendly country, with young Maldivians making their mark abroad through higher education, international conferences and sporting achievements.

She urged Maldivians to uphold that reputation by respecting the laws of the countries they visit or reside in.

The Minister said the Maldivian passport ranked highly internationally and that maintaining its standing depended partly on citizens complying with foreign laws.

“The passport of Maldives is one of the foremost passports that is very accepted and very popular in the outside world. So, we need to continue to ensure that Maldivian citizens are not detained in foreign jails or arrested in other cases,” she said.

She warned that arrests for offences such as drug smuggling could damage the country’s international reputation.

Minister Iruthisham said the number of Maldivians travelling abroad for holidays, work and residency had increased significantly, adding that criminal offences overseas could create difficulties for others seeking visas or opportunities to live abroad.

Her remarks come amid several recent cases involving Maldivians facing serious criminal allegations overseas.

A Maldivian man was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Vietnam this month for drug smuggling, while two Maldivians were arrested in Bangkok this month in connection with a large quantity of drugs.

Two other Maldivians were arrested in the UAE last month over suspected links to an Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to hijack a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel and carry out a terrorist attack.

The Minister said Maldivians facing charges or other difficulties abroad could seek assistance through Maldivian embassies and the Foreign Ministry’s consular department.

She added that the government would also provide assistance and information to their families.