Controversial law permitting foreign land ownership passed in the Maldives

  MALE - Foreigners will soon be permitted to own land – instead of only leasing it - in the Maldives under a constitutional amendment passed in parliament on Wednesday but the move raised concerns from former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Some residents and analysts say this would pave the way for Saudi Arabia, China and also India to own tracts of land on islands in the Maldives and raised concerns fears of military expansion from China. “This amendment is aimed at giving these countries access to our lands,” a local tour operator in Male told TimesOnline. The amendment was approved by 70 votes in favour and 14 against with several MPs of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Jumhooree Party (JP) voting favour of the amendment. Some residents said there were speculation that MDP MPs had voted for the change as a bargaining chip to release MDP leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed who has been jailed. Long-serving, former President Gayoom in a letter and twitter message urged President Abdulla Yameen to seek approval through a public referendum before ratification and pointed out that the President also has the power to reject the proposal. News reports said the amendments will make way for foreigners who invest in a project worth more than US$1 billion to purchase land within the project site. At least 70 per cent of the area when the project is completed must also be reclaimed land, Haveeru News said. As of now, foreigners can only lease land for up to 99 years which is how the tourism industry has been structured. – ENDS -