MDP Chairperson and former economic minister Fayyaz Ismail has criticized the government for delaying the implementation of the Israeli passport ban, calling its actions hypocritical.

In a post made on social media platfrom 'X' last night, he accused the administration of misleading the public and failing to act decisively, despite having a parliamentary supermajority.

He highlighted that while the tax hike was submitted to Parliament on October 16 and implemented within 20 days, and the tobacco price hike followed within 21 days, the government has not banned Israeli passports despite announcing the decision on June 2.

He pointed out that 166 days have passed since the announcement, with the bill passed in Parliament on June 10 but remaining with the Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) for the past five months.

Fayyaz questioned whether the government is stalling due to external influences, despite previous statements about prioritizing national sovereignty.

He stated:

Fayyaz's criticism came as the 241 Committee reviewed the Israeli passport ban bill last Tuesday.

During the session, the committee set a goal to finalize amendments to the Immigration Act by February next year. These proposed changes are intended to prohibit Israeli citizens, including dual passport holders, from entering the Maldives.

Despite this development, Fayyaz questioned the prolonged delay and accused the government of stalling and deceiving the public.