MDP criticises Immigration’s stance on verifying dual Israelis

Members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have criticised the Maldives Immigration’s claim that it cannot verify Israeli citizens who hold dual passports.

The criticism follows the passage of a bill banning the entry of individuals holding Israeli passports.

Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem, who introduced the bill a year ago, described the Immigration Department’s explanation as inadequate. Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP parliamentary group at parliament, Meekail said, “The claim that dual passport holders cannot be identified is a joke. Entry cards in many countries indicate dual nationality. We do not accept that Maldives Immigration is unable to handle this.”

The bill, initially proposed to prohibit both Israeli citizens and dual nationals from entering the Maldives, was amended by the Security Services Committee. The amendment limits the restriction to individuals carrying Israeli passports, based on the advice from Immigration that it could not verify dual nationality.

The amended bill was passed with 83 votes in favour and no votes against. President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the bill within hours of its passage on Tuesday.

At the press conference, Meekail noted that the bill was passed by a government-majority parliament only after extended pressure. He said the move did not appear to be taken in good faith and was instead a response to public and political pressure.

Despite reservations about the scope of the bill, MDP members supported it in the vote. Meekail said the party voted in favour to prevent the government from politicising the issue and misrepresenting the purpose of the bill to the public.

MP Ibrahim Nazil, MDP’s parliamentary group leader and representative of the Hithadhoo South constituency, also addressed the issue. He stated that the Immigration has the capacity to verify whether an individual holds multiple passports if it chooses to do so. He added that the MDP’s parliamentary group would be holding a meeting to determine further action, including whether additional proposals should be submitted to Parliament.