The government today submitted a bill to Parliament proposing amendments to the Maldives Immigration Act, granting the administration full authority to determine visa categories for foreign nationals without parliamentary oversight.
The bill stipulates that once passed into law, any visa categories established by the Minister must be recognised as an integral part of the Act.
Sponsored by Kulhudhuffushi North MP Mohamed Dawood on behalf of the government, the bill’s proposed Section 48(b) empowers the relevant Minister to define various sub-categories under each primary visa type. Furthermore, Section 48(f) states that once these ministerial categories are published in the Government Gazette, they shall carry the full force of law.
Under the current Immigration Act, all visa categories issued in the Maldives are defined within the legislation. Any modifications to visa classifications previously required parliamentary approval through statutory amendments. However, the newly proposed bill only outlines broad visa types, delegating the authority to define detailed sub-categories to the government. This shift allows the administration to adjust visa regulations in line with policy changes without seeking further parliamentary intervention.
These amendments are aimed at facilitating the government’s Rasmalé project, which involves the settlement of foreign nationals. The changes are expected to streamline the government's ability to create new visa categories that would allow foreign investors and workers to reside in the Maldives on a long-term basis.
