President Mohamed Muizzu has instructed police and other relevant authorities to stop and question foreigners found in public places between midnight and 6 am. The directive aims to address behaviour he says disrupts public order and violates social norms.
Muizzu wrote on X that some foreigners living in the Maldives behave in ways that conflict with general social expectations during late-night hours. He said police and relevant agencies should question these individuals and take legal action where necessary.
The directive applies to foreigners in public places and on the streets from 00:00 to 06:00. Authorities have begun enforcing it.
Critics and legal experts say the policy could conflict with constitutional protections against discrimination. The Constitution states that everyone is entitled to the rights and freedoms set out in the fundamental rights chapter without discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race or national origin. It also bars discrimination in how those rights are enjoyed.
Legal safeguards cover all individuals within the Maldives regardless of citizenship. Article 17 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination in the exercise of the rights and freedoms set out in the charter.
Some civil society voices have raised concerns that singling out foreigners for stops and questioning could breach these non-discrimination provisions. Government officials have not released detailed guidelines on how the policy will uphold constitutional protections.
Authorities have not released details on how the operation will be carried out or how constitutional protections will be ensured during enforcement.
Police have yet to issue a formal statement outlining procedures or safeguards linked to the new directive.