MDP Questions Immigration’s Claim on Verifying Dual Nationals After Israeli Passport Ban
Press conference by MDP PG | Photo: People’s Majlis
Members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have criticised Maldives Immigration over its claim that it cannot identify Israeli citizens who hold dual passports.
The criticism comes after the recent passage of a bill banning the entry of individuals with Israeli passports into the Maldives.
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The bill, initially introduced by Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem, aimed to prohibit both Israeli citizens and dual nationals from entering the country. However, the Security Services Committee amended the proposal following advice from Immigration that it could not verify dual nationality. As a result, the final version of the bill restricts entry only to those travelling on Israeli passports.
The amended bill was passed unanimously in Parliament, receiving 83 votes in favour with no votes against. President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the legislation within hours of its approval on Tuesday.
At a press conference held by the MDP parliamentary group at Parliament, MP Meekail Naseem described the Immigration Department’s explanation as inadequate. He argued that entry systems in many countries are capable of identifying dual nationality and said the Maldives should be able to do the same. He further claimed that the bill was passed by the government-majority Parliament only after extended public and political pressure, suggesting the move lacked sincerity.
Despite their reservations regarding the limited scope of the bill, MDP members supported it in the vote. MP Meekail explained that the party backed the legislation to prevent the government from politicising the issue or misrepresenting the bill’s original intent.
Hithadhoo South MP and MDP parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Nazil also questioned the Immigration Department’s reasoning. He stated that the agency possesses the means to verify whether an individual holds multiple passports if it chooses to do so. He added that the MDP parliamentary group would meet to consider further action, including the possibility of submitting additional proposals to Parliament.
