PNC MP Warns Against ‘Zionist’ Presence in Maldives Amid Ras Malé Controversy

North Hulhumalé MP Hussain Shareef has warned against what he described as attempts by “deceitful agents of oppressive Zionist Jews” to gain a foothold in the Maldives, amid continuing controversy over the government’s agreement with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills for the Ras Malé waterfront and marina project.

“The deceitful agents of oppressive Zionist Jews must not be given the opportunity to lay hands on even a single grain of sand under the sovereign authority of the Maldives!” Shareef wrote in a Facebook post.

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Shareef is a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). He has previously used social media to criticise aspects of the government’s agreement with Eagle Hills, despite being a government MP.

The remarks come amid claims by several political figures that the project could facilitate the settlement of Jewish or Israeli nationals in the Maldives, and concerns that foreign property buyers could eventually obtain residency rights.

Former President Abdulla Yameen has claimed that Eagle Hills intends to facilitate the settlement of Jewish people in Ras Malé, questioning whether Maldivians would be willing to live alongside Israeli families. Lawyer Ali Hussain has also warned that the agreement could pave the way for a larger foreign population to settle in the country, arguing that the developer could transfer company shares and enable property ownership by others. 

The Religious Scholars Union, Ilmveringe Gulhun, has separately raised concerns over Eagle Hills’ reported connections to Israel and the potential implications of the development for the Maldives’ Islamic identity and sovereignty. 

The government has rejected claims that the project would create a Jewish settlement. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said Israeli citizens will be legally prohibited from purchasing property in the development and that Maldivian laws will apply throughout the project area. He has also said there will be no non-Islamic places of worship or schools in Ras Malé. 

Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has outlined proposed safeguards that would prevent Israeli nationals and Israeli-controlled entities from buying property or participating in the ownership and financing of developments in Ras Malé. He has also clarified that property ownership would not automatically grant permanent residency or citizenship.

However, Muththalib acknowledged that eligible investors could apply for a corporate residence visa under an existing scheme, subject to nationality screening and the proposed restrictions. 

The agreement with Eagle Hills, signed on 21 September, allocates 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Fushidhiggaru Lagoon for an integrated development featuring hotels, residences, a marina, waterfront promenades, restaurants, retail outlets and leisure facilities. The government has said the arrangement involves a long-term lease rather than the sale of Maldivian land.

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has called for the full agreement to be made public and a referendum on the project, raising concerns over the allocation of reclaimed land to a foreign developer and the financial terms of the deal.