The Parliament's Committee on Security Services, known as the 241 Committee, has decided to gather information on individuals who entered the Maldives using Israeli passports over the past five years. The move comes as the committee examines a proposed amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act that seeks to ban Israeli citizens from entering the country.

The proposed legislation is a response to international outrage over Israeli actions in Gaza. During a committee meeting, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim highlighted the importance of detailed information to evaluate the impact of such a ban.

“When addressing the Israeli passport ban, we need to know the extent of their entry into the country,” said Nazim. He pointed out that Israeli passports are often used by individuals with dual citizenship, including those from countries like the United States and South American nations, as well as Arab countries such as Jordan.

Nazim emphasised the importance of identifying the reasons behind these visits, whether for tourism, business, or other purposes.

To facilitate this, the committee decided to seek detailed data from government offices, political parties, tourism agencies, and other relevant institutions. This information will help assess the implications of the proposed passport ban and ensure informed decision-making.

The Maldives has been vocal in its condemnation of recent events in Gaza, with this proposed amendment reflecting broader public sentiment. The committee’s findings are expected to shape the future course of the proposed legislation.