Ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah on Monday called for consultation with Palestinians, Arab nations, and other major countries before moving forward with a bill to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives.
Speaking at the National Security Services Committee (241 Committee) meeting, Falah said the proposed amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act requires significant study and deliberation.
“We should ask Palestinians what they think. There are leaders in that country and relevant agencies. How much benefit will they get from banning Israeli citizens from coming to the Maldives? Will they get any satisfaction or happiness?” Falah said.
He further stated that input from Arab countries and other influential nations should also be considered before any decision is made.
The bill, introduced by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) five months ago, followed the government’s Cabinet announcement in June to ban Israeli passport holders amid public pressure over escalating war in Palestine. However, progress on the legislation has since stalled.
Government’s Inconsistencies and Hypocrisy
The stalled legislation has exposed what critics describe as glaring hypocrisy within the Muizzu administration. In June, the Cabinet pledged to ban Israeli passports as a principled stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, following widespread protests and demands for action. Yet, five months later, the promised ban remains unfulfilled.
Despite the government’s supermajority in Parliament, a motion to expedite the proposed ban was rejected last week. The move has been criticised as contradictory, given the administration’s earlier public commitments. Observers argue that the announcement was a populist measure aimed at appeasing public sentiment rather than a genuine policy backed by intent or planning.
Adding to the inconsistency, Attorney General Ahmed Usham has raised concerns about the practical challenges of implementing the ban. These issues were not mentioned when the government, flanked by key ministers, made the high-profile announcement in June, leading many to question whether the decision was thoroughly thought through.
Public Backlash
The Maldives has seen consistent public protests against Israeli violence in Palestine, with demonstrators calling for measures like the proposed ban. However, the government has come under fire for arresting protestors under public order laws, actions seen as undermining its claims of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Meanwhile, reports of increased Israeli tourist arrivals have further fuelled public discontent. Critics argue that while the government touts its support for Palestine, it continues to facilitate tourism from Israel, prioritising economic interests over moral commitments.
Eroding Credibility
The delay in fulfilling the Cabinet’s promise has intensified scrutiny of the Muizzu administration’s credibility. The government’s failure to follow through on its pledge has left many questioning whether public opinion is being exploited as a political tool rather than respected as a mandate.
For now, the promised action remains in limbo, with the government yet to provide clarity on its next steps.