The Maldives Parliament's Security Services Committee, also known as the 241 Committee, has given the green light to a significant amendment to the country’s Immigration Act. This change introduces a ban on the entry of individuals using Israeli passports, a move that will remain in place until Israel halts its military actions in Palestine, which the amendment labels as genocide.

Originally submitted on May 29 of the previous year by Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the MP for South Galolhu, the bill had faced delays and was stalled at the committee stage for an extended period. However, deliberations resumed recently, with the committee revisiting and revising several aspects of the proposal.

One of the most notable changes to the bill was the softening of the original language, which initially sought to bar both Israeli passport holders and dual nationals with Israeli citizenship from entering the Maldives. Following a recommendation from Maldives Immigration—who cited practical challenges in enforcing such a broad restriction—the amended version limits the ban strictly to individuals traveling on Israeli passports.

As a result, dual nationals holding an Israeli passport alongside another nationality will still be permitted to enter the Maldives, provided they use their non-Israeli travel documents.

Despite public frustration and criticism from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) over the delay in enacting the ban, the revised bill was passed unanimously by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC)-dominated committee.