Foreign Minister Ibrahim Khaleel has said that the decision made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet to ban entry with Israeli passports can only be implemented after the parliament passes the amendment sent to the Immigration Act.

Minister Khaleel said this in his written response to a question asked by MDP member Mohamed Ibrahim of Galolhu North constituency in today's parliament session.

In his question, the member stated that according to the Foreign Service Act, it is the Minister's responsibility to advise the President on recognizing and withdrawing recognition of foreign states, establishing political relations with foreign countries, and severing existing political relations, and to implement the President's decisions.

Therefore, the member asked why the government's decision to ban entry with Israeli passports has not been implemented.

In his response, the Minister said that the President decided to ban Israeli passports on June 2, 2024, with the advice of the Cabinet to prevent entry with Israeli passports.

"To implement that decision, an amendment to the Immigration Act is needed. The amendment submitted to that law is currently in the National Security Committee of the People's Majlis, in the stage of being studied by summoning various relevant parties. Once that decision becomes law, it will pave the way for implementing the government's decision," Khaleel said.

The ruling PNC, which has a supermajority in the People's Majlis, has previously called for the quick passage of the amendment submitted to the Immigration Act.