Maldives parliament rejects emergency motion on Israeli passport ban delay
Motion criticized government’s inaction over stalled enforcement of Israeli passport ban despite mounting public pressure
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Maldives parliament has rejected an emergency motion that sought to question delays in enforcing a law banning Israeli passport holders from entering the country, as public frustration over the government’s inaction continues to grow.
The motion, submitted by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, was tabled during the first parliamentary sitting following an extended recess.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, who presided over the session, ruled that the motion failed to meet the criteria required for emergency motions.
Citing parliamentary regulations, Nazim stated that such motions must highlight urgent issues requiring immediate government attention, particularly those that directly affect national interest or the welfare of citizens.
The motion sharply criticized the government for its failure to act decisively against Israel following its prolonged assault on Palestinians.
Zakir noted that two years and five months had passed since the beginning of Israeli attacks, yet no substantive measures—beyond verbal condemnation—had been taken.
The Cabinet had previously approved an amendment to ban Israeli passport holders, based on a proposal by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Michael Ahmed Naseem.
But according to Zakir, the government has shown no political will to implement the measure.
While the ban continues to stall, parliament has fast-tracked and ratified several other bills submitted by ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MPs.
In contrast, the amendment to the immigration law—submitted in May 2023 to block Israeli passport holders—remains with the Security Services (241) Committee, where it has seen no movement.
The committee had originally set a February 2025 deadline to conclude discussions, but that date passed without progress.
With public sentiment in the Maldives growing increasingly supportive of Palestine, the government now faces renewed scrutiny over its failure to follow through on its promises.
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