Maldives Government Seeks Full Control Over Visa Categories Through Immigration Act Amendment

The Maldivian government has submitted a bill to the People's Majlis proposing major amendments to the Maldives Immigration Act, aiming to grant the executive branch full authority to determine visa categories without parliamentary approval. The bill, sponsored by North Male' Atoll MP Mohamed Daood on behalf of the government, specifically delegates to the Minister the power to establish sub-categories under each main visa type. Once these categories are published in the Government Gazette, they will carry the force of law. Currently, all visa categories are explicitly defined in the Immigration Act, requiring parliamentary amendment for any change. The proposed amendment would allow the government to adjust visa procedures based solely on policy shifts. Officials state the changes are intended to facilitate the settlement of foreigners in Rasmale, a major land reclamation and development project, by enabling the creation of new visa categories for long-term stays by investors and workers.