The Maldives has on Thursday terminated a 2015 law that allowed foreigners to own land in Maldives, the government said this move was to address concerns regarding the potential loss of the country’s sovereignty.
According to Reuters news reports, since China has stepped in for infrastructure development, including India – Maldives’ traditional partner – Maldives has been strongly drawn into the regional contest for influence.
The Male parliament which was controlled by the supporters of ex-President Abdullah Yameen had, in 2015, implemented the land ownership laws which allowed the country’s government to sell lands to foreigners who were ready to invest above $1 billion.
However, since the land ownership law came into effect around four years ago, no land has been actually sold to foreigners.
Yameen’s move has fueled concerns that international power could make use of such land for any of their military purposes.
But, the Maldives parliament, however, this week moved to revoke the law in accordance with a campaign promise by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Male president, who took power last year.
Solih’s spokesperson Ibrahim Hood, on Wednesday, stated, “Land is one of the most valuable resources we Maldivians have and obviously it is limited. It is intrinsically connected to our identity and it is difficult for many to see that identity sold off just like any other commodity.”
He added saying Solih understood this connection and the sentiments, which is why the president had vowed to reverse that particular law – constitutional amendment.