Former MDP Chairman (Reeko) Moosa Manik has criticized the government’s decision to stop and question foreigners on the streets during nighttime hours under the ongoing state of emergency.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has instructed police and other agencies to question foreigners found in public places between 12:00 am and 6:00 am, and to take legal action if required. The directive was issued after a resident complained during a community meeting that some foreign nationals were acting against public interest and violating social norms.
In a post on X, Reeko Moosa stated that the Maldives must uphold human dignity in accordance with the international treaties it has signed. He argued that foreigners paying taxes and living in guesthouses, or working in the Maldives on valid visas, should not be restricted from going out at night.
He added that Maldivians face no such discrimination when travelling abroad, and said no neighboring country imposes similar distinctions between locals and foreigners.
Moosa stressed that such practices can only become acceptable in the Maldives under a state of emergency, but warned that discrimination based solely on nationality must not become commonplace.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has instructed police and other agencies to question foreigners found in public places between 12:00 am and 6:00 am, and to take legal action if required. The directive was issued after a resident complained during a community meeting that some foreign nationals were acting against public interest and violating social norms.
In a post on X, Reeko Moosa stated that the Maldives must uphold human dignity in accordance with the international treaties it has signed. He argued that foreigners paying taxes and living in guesthouses, or working in the Maldives on valid visas, should not be restricted from going out at night.
He added that Maldivians face no such discrimination when travelling abroad, and said no neighboring country imposes similar distinctions between locals and foreigners.
Moosa stressed that such practices can only become acceptable in the Maldives under a state of emergency, but warned that discrimination based solely on nationality must not become commonplace.
