Citizenship granted to 5 foreigners on Solih presidency's final 2 days
Before the end of Solih's government, a senior Foreign Ministry official signed a decree granting citizenship to these five people.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has granted Maldivian citizenship to five foreigners under his powers in the last two days of his rule.
According to documents obtained by a reliable source, the five were granted citizenship between 14 and 16 last month. November 16th was the last day of the Solih government.
According to the documents, the five were granted citizenship in the last two days of Solih’s rule under the discretion of the President on grounds that they fulfil the requirements of Article 2 of the Citizenship Act.
Details of those granted citizenship (excluding passport numbers):
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1-
Suharabivi Karaisi (Indian) - declared a Maldivian on 14 November
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2-
Ahmed Fazeen Veerakodi (country unknown) - declared a Maldivian on 15 November
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3-
Shobhita Bivi (Indian) - declared a Maldivian on 16 November
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4-
Sitthi Zahira Hussain Mohamed (Sri Lankan) - declared a Maldivian on 16 November
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5-
Rebeke Rajuddin (Sri Lankan) - declared a Maldivian on 16 November
Before the end of Solih's government, a senior Foreign Ministry official signed a decree granting citizenship to these five people.
Article 2 of the Citizenship Act, cited in the documents granting citizenship to the five, states that if a foreigner seeking citizenship meets a total of eight conditions, he has the right to apply for citizenship and in writing to the Foreign Ministry.
The conditions are:
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Being a Muslim
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Be 21 years of age and of sound mind
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Be a person who has lived in Maldives for 12 years without interruption
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Knowledge of the Constitution of Maldives
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Must be able to speak Maldivian language and be familiar with the basic education curriculum of Maldives
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Not be a person who has committed a political offence or an offence punishable by law or an offence of illegal manufacture, distribution and trafficking in drugs
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Being useful to Maldives
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Obtain and submit an official document from the Government of the country of origin stating that there is no objection to the withdrawal of the person's original citizenship
If the conditions are met, the person has the right to be granted Maldivian citizenship.
