Bill to ban Israel passport enters parliament – Maldives

A member has submitted a bill seeking an amendment to the Immigration Act, in order to ban arrivals to the Maldives through Israeli passports.

Nolhivaram MP Mohamed Nasheed Abdulla submitted the bill to the parliament.

The amendment added one more provision to the article of prohibited persons to enter the Maldives.

The MP said the bill’s motivation is to place sanctions on Israel with a travel ban on its people in light of the country’s ongoing genocidal attacks on Palestinian civilians including women and children.

MP Nasheed further said it was imperative for the Maldives to show exemplary conduct in banning Israeli arrivals when the countries of Organization for Islamic Corporation (OIC), of which Maldives is a member, placed travel ban on Israel as well.

Several members of the public gathered in front of the parliament last week to voice their anger and frustration against Israel’s continued apartheid on Palestine. The protesters demanded for an immediate ban on Israeli passport during their demonstration outside the legislative body.

Following public pressure, Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee decided to advise the president on moving forward with a passport ban on Israel.

Additional protests have already been arranged for 9:45 a.m. on Monday morning, November 20, in front of the parliament building and another protest at 12:00 p.m. outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.