Opposition MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem on Tuesday condemned the recently enacted immigration amendment that bars Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives but allows entry for Israeli nationals with dual citizenship — a loophole he said contradicts the spirit of the law and public sentiment.
Speaking during a heated Parliament session, the Galolhu South MP expressed frustration over the committee’s deletion of a clause that would have fully banned Israeli nationals, including those travelling on alternative passports.
Naseem argued that the law, in its final form, reflects Western pressure rather than the will of the people or the government’s declared commitment to Palestine. His remarks were repeatedly interrupted by pro-government lawmakers from the People’s National Congress (PNC), who raised points of order in an apparent attempt to cut his speech short.
Naseem also criticised Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla for permitting the interruptions, accusing him of enabling systematic obstruction.
The amendment, which was unanimously approved by the PNC-controlled Parliament on Tuesday, prohibits entry for Israeli passport holders but allows those with alternative passports, even if they are Israeli citizens, to enter.
This exemption is crucial, as many Israeli nationals hold dual citizenship, especially with European and North American countries. Critics say the law is largely symbolic and unlikely to prevent Israeli travel to the Maldives.
Naseem, a member of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), had originally proposed a blanket ban on all Israeli nationals, regardless of additional citizenship. However, during committee review, the provision regarding dual passport holders was removed, reportedly on the advice of the Immigration Department, which said there would be no way to reliably identify such individuals.
The amendment was introduced following growing domestic pressure on the Muizzu administration to enforce a June 2024 Cabinet decision banning Israeli passport holders, amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. Despite a supermajority in Parliament, PNC lawmakers previously blocked efforts to fast-track the bill.
President Mohamed Muizzu signed the amendment into law shortly after parliament passed the bill. While it formally restricts Israeli passport holders, it leaves room for future relaxation — including a provision allowing the government to reconsider the ban if Israel halts its attacks on Palestinians.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham had earlier pointed to legal and logistical hurdles in implementing a complete ban. But opposition figures and rights groups argue that the government’s previous public statements created the impression that such issues had been resolved.
Public support for a comprehensive ban remains strong, with protests and social media campaigns demanding uncompromised solidarity with Palestinians continuing across the country.