The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) of stalling a bill that would ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives.

Despite the government’s initial support, the bill, which amends the Immigration Act, has been stalled in the National Security Services (241) Committee since its referral on June 10.

On Monday, the MDP’s emergency motion to address the delay was rejected by Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

Following the rejection, South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem criticized the PNC, stating, 

Meekail further accused the PNC of blocking the MDP from presenting emergency motions and attempting to silence opposition voices.

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir echoed these concerns responded to Attorney General Ahmed Usham's statement that the government would neither push nor delay the bill, urging the public to see how the PNC administration is handling it.

The bill, initially proposed by Meekail and later backed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet, seeks to amend Article 8 of the Immigration Act to ban all Israeli passport holders, including dual citizens.

However, Attorney General Usham warned that a blanket ban could create complications, and his office plans to submit amendments.

The delay in passing the bill comes amid rising protests in Male’ City over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Since October 7, 2023, at least 42,600 people, including 16,765 children, have been killed in Gaza, with more than 99,795 injured, while in the West Bank, 759 people have been killed.

These events have fueled public calls for the government to take stronger action, including the Israeli passport ban.