Unlocking Maldives: Legal Triumph Ensures Justice and Invites Tourists to Paradise

In a historic decision, the Maldives Supreme Court established a legal framework for passport removal due to unpaid debts. The verdict, spurred emphasises the importance of the right to travel as a fundamental right guaranteed by both the Maldivian Constitution and international law.

The court ruled that taking passports without a court order is illegal, emphasising the necessity for a legal basis and due process. Simultaneously, the ruling established explicit criteria for allowing those implicated in significant criminal cases to travel overseas for medical treatment. The passport release process now includes factors such as the availability of medical care in the Maldives, medical opinions, and travel bans until criminal matters are resolved.

This ruling tries to prevent anyone from avoiding justice by fleeing the nation under the guise of medical care, addressing concerns voiced in past cases. The verdict not only specifies the legal procedures for passport confiscation, but it also demonstrates the court's dedication to upholding the rule of law and defending individual rights throughout the judicial process.