Misplaced Pages

Ahmed Haitham: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 04:24, 26 December 2024 editNormadicEditor (talk | contribs)372 editsNo edit summaryTag: Visual edit← Previous edit Revision as of 04:31, 26 December 2024 edit undoNormadicEditor (talk | contribs)372 editsNo edit summaryTags: nowiki added Visual edit Disambiguation links addedNext edit →
Line 118: Line 118:


==== <u>Initiative on Undocumented and Illegal Workers in the Maldives</u> ==== ==== <u>Initiative on Undocumented and Illegal Workers in the Maldives</u> ====
On June 23, 2019, Haitham initiated a matter on undocumented and ] in the ]<nowiki/>s through the National Security and Foreign Relations Committee of the ]. The ] records that he proposed addressing this issue, framing it as a potential ] concern.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chamber Documents - People's Majlis of Maldives |url=https://majlis.gov.mv/dv/19-parliament/committee-work/927 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=majlis.gov.mv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Close to 105k undocumented expats living in Maldives, illegally: Committee |url=https://raajje.mv/64372?fbclid=IwAR14yYN6cLpW15IiTfQyqjgPGocuTzDuctiHqsWpDKAouCkkq |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Over 60,000 expats working illegally in Maldives, says Immigration |url=https://raajje.mv/48592 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Bidheyseen'ge mahsala hallukurumah task force'eh ufahdhan ninmaifi |url=https://raajje.mv/62889 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=dv}}</ref> ]On June 23, 2019, Haitham initiated a matter on undocumented and ] in the ]<nowiki/>s through the National Security and Foreign Relations Committee of the ]. The ] records that he proposed addressing this issue, framing it as a potential ] concern.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chamber Documents - People's Majlis of Maldives |url=https://majlis.gov.mv/dv/19-parliament/committee-work/927 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=majlis.gov.mv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Close to 105k undocumented expats living in Maldives, illegally: Committee |url=https://raajje.mv/64372?fbclid=IwAR14yYN6cLpW15IiTfQyqjgPGocuTzDuctiHqsWpDKAouCkkq |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Over 60,000 expats working illegally in Maldives, says Immigration |url=https://raajje.mv/48592 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Bidheyseen'ge mahsala hallukurumah task force'eh ufahdhan ninmaifi |url=https://raajje.mv/62889 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=dv}}</ref>
]

====== Key aspects of the initiative<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-13 |title=Employment status verification to be done for expats being repatriated |url=https://timesofaddu.com/2020/11/13/employment-status-verification-to-be-done-for-expats-being-repatriated/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=The Times of Addu |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Over 60,000 undocumented expats in Maldives, says immigration |url=https://avas.mv/en/58995 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Over 177,000 expatriates work in the Maldives: stats |url=https://avas.mv/en/99451 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref> ====== ====== Key aspects of the initiative<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-13 |title=Employment status verification to be done for expats being repatriated |url=https://timesofaddu.com/2020/11/13/employment-status-verification-to-be-done-for-expats-being-repatriated/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=The Times of Addu |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Over 60,000 undocumented expats in Maldives, says immigration |url=https://avas.mv/en/58995 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Over 177,000 expatriates work in the Maldives: stats |url=https://avas.mv/en/99451 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref> ======
* Proposing to address undocumented and ] in the ]. * Proposing to address undocumented and ] in the ].
* Calling for an accurate count of illegal immigrants. * Calling for an accurate count of illegal immigrants.
* Framing the issue as a ] to national security. * Framing the issue as a ] to national security.
* Initiating a committee process involving key stakeholders.
* Initiating a committee process involving key stakeholders. On July 17, 2019, the committee ] representatives from various ], including the ] , Maldives Immigration, ] (MNDF), ] (NCTC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, these committee proceedings were classified as confidential and not accessible to the public, The discussions were carried out off record upon the request of the stakeholders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Committee meeting on 'illegal expatriate workers' held behind closed doors |url=https://raajje.mv/59769 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Committee to summon immigration, police officials over decision to deport Bangladeshi suspects |url=https://raajje.mv/63793 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-25 |title=Immigration issues over 7,000 work visas in December 2019 |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/63003 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=PSMnews.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bidheysheenge Mahsala balaa Committee Sirru Kuree Kairi Gaumu thakaa gulhun goasvedhaane thee |url=https://sun.mv/122045/193939 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=sun.mv |language=dv}}</ref>
* Committee Proceedings.
On July 17, 2019, the committee ] representatives from various ], including the ] , Maldives Immigration, ] (MNDF), ] (NCTC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, these committee proceedings were classified as confidential and not accessible to the public, The discussions were carried out off record upon the request of the stakeholders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Committee meeting on 'illegal expatriate workers' held behind closed doors |url=https://raajje.mv/59769 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Committee to summon immigration, police officials over decision to deport Bangladeshi suspects |url=https://raajje.mv/63793 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-25 |title=Immigration issues over 7,000 work visas in December 2019 |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/63003 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=PSMnews.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bidheysheenge Mahsala balaa Committee Sirru Kuree Kairi Gaumu thakaa gulhun goasvedhaane thee |url=https://sun.mv/122045/193939 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=sun.mv |language=dv}}</ref>


====== Government Initiatives<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maldives |first=Corporate |date=2020-07-14 |title=Government to Repatriate 20,000 Undocumented Expatriates |url=https://corporatemaldives.com/government-to-repatriate-20000-undocumented-expatriates/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=corporatemaldives.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Raids conducted to identify undocumented expats residing illegally in Maldives |url=https://raajje.mv/138250 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Mihaaru |first=Aishath Nuzuha |date=2024-05-20 |title=Bidheyseen ge massala kolheggai jessun: Sarukaaruge bodu amaazeh! |url=https://mihaaru.com/report/133996 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Mihaaru |language=dv-MV}}</ref> ====== ====== Government Initiatives<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maldives |first=Corporate |date=2020-07-14 |title=Government to Repatriate 20,000 Undocumented Expatriates |url=https://corporatemaldives.com/government-to-repatriate-20000-undocumented-expatriates/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=corporatemaldives.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=Raids conducted to identify undocumented expats residing illegally in Maldives |url=https://raajje.mv/138250 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Mihaaru |first=Aishath Nuzuha |date=2024-05-20 |title=Bidheyseen ge massala kolheggai jessun: Sarukaaruge bodu amaazeh! |url=https://mihaaru.com/report/133996 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Mihaaru |language=dv-MV}}</ref> ======
Following Haitham's initiative, the government implemented several measures, These initiatives demonstrate the government's response to the issues raised by Haitham, focusing on regularising undocumented workers and improving their legal status in the Maldives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Issue of increase in number of foreign expats will be addressed: Controller |url=https://avas.mv/en/69907 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt hopes to repatriate 20,000 undocumented expat by end of year |url=https://avas.mv/en/85719 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref> Then Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail announced his intention to resign if the issue of illegal expatriates in the Maldives remains unresolved.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Will resign if expat issue remains unresolved': Economic Minister |url=https://avas.mv/en/70192 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Massala hallu nuvejje nama magaamu dhookollaanan: Fayyaz |url=https://avas.mv/70173 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref> Following Haitham's initiative, the government ] several measures, These initiatives demonstrate the government's response to the issues raised by Haitham, focusing on ] undocumented workers and improving their ] in the Maldives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Issue of increase in number of foreign expats will be addressed: Controller |url=https://avas.mv/en/69907 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt hopes to repatriate 20,000 undocumented expat by end of year |url=https://avas.mv/en/85719 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref> Then ]<nowiki/>r Fayyaz Ismail announced his intention to resign if the issue of illegal expatriates in the ] remains unresolved.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Will resign if expat issue remains unresolved': Economic Minister |url=https://avas.mv/en/70192 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Massala hallu nuvejje nama magaamu dhookollaanan: Fayyaz |url=https://avas.mv/70173 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=avas.mv |language=en}}</ref>]


'''Immigration Watch:''' A platform enabling the public to report suspected cases of immigration violations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-25 |title=Immigration issues over 7,000 work visas in December 2019 |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/63003 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=PSMnews.mv |language=en}}</ref> '''Immigration Watch:''' A platform enabling the public to report suspected cases of immigration violations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-25 |title=Immigration issues over 7,000 work visas in December 2019 |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/63003 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=PSMnews.mv |language=en}}</ref>
]

====== Regularisation Program (2019):<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-04 |title=Maldives: Covid-19 and Detention |url=https://www.globaldetentionproject.org/04-may-2020-maldives |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Global Detention Project {{!}} Mapping immigration detention around the world |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-25 |title=Regularisation Programme by Economic Ministry well received |url=https://www.psmnews.mv/en/57453 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=PSMnews.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives suspends expat recruitment from Bangladesh {{!}} Atoll Times |url=https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/8530 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=atolltimes.mv |language=en}}</ref> ======


'''Regularisation Program (2019):<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-04 |title=Maldives: Covid-19 and Detention |url=https://www.globaldetentionproject.org/04-may-2020-maldives |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Global Detention Project {{!}} Mapping immigration detention around the world |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-25 |title=Regularisation Programme by Economic Ministry well received |url=https://www.psmnews.mv/en/57453 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=PSMnews.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives suspends expat recruitment from Bangladesh {{!}} Atoll Times |url=https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/8530 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=atolltimes.mv |language=en}}</ref>'''
* Launched in September 2019 * Launched in September 2019
* By 2023, 43,787 undocumented workers had registered<ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=45 rashakun 4000 ah vure gina bidheyseen ge biometric mauloomaathu nagaifi |url=https://raajje.mv/159060 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=dv}}</ref> * By 2023, 43,787 undocumented workers had ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=raajje.mv |title=45 rashakun 4000 ah vure gina bidheyseen ge biometric mauloomaathu nagaifi |url=https://raajje.mv/159060 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=raajje.mv |language=dv}}</ref>
* 16,351 migrants were regularised * 16,351 migrants were ]
* 8,938 migrants were repatriated<ref>{{Cite web |title=90 percent Regularization Program applicants lack passports |url=https://english.sun.mv/56275 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=SunOnline International |language=en}}</ref> * 8,938 migrants were ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=90 percent Regularization Program applicants lack passports |url=https://english.sun.mv/56275 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=SunOnline International |language=en}}</ref>


====== Special Voluntary Departure Program (SVDP):<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Thousands of expatriates queued to register |url=https://today.mv/14051 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=today.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt. prepares to take strict action against expats engaged in illegal trade |url=https://english.sun.mv/56274 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=SunOnline International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives opens way for undocumented Bangladeshis to get regularised |url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/maldives-opens-way-for-undocumented-bangladeshis-to-get-regularised-1653222396 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> ====== ====== Special Voluntary Departure Program (SVDP):<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Thousands of expatriates queued to register |url=https://today.mv/14051 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=today.mv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt. prepares to take strict action against expats engaged in illegal trade |url=https://english.sun.mv/56274 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=SunOnline International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives opens way for undocumented Bangladeshis to get regularised |url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/maldives-opens-way-for-undocumented-bangladeshis-to-get-regularised-1653222396 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> ======

Revision as of 04:31, 26 December 2024

Maldivian parliamentarian (born 1980)
Ahmed Haitham
އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް
Member of the People's Majlis
In office
28 May 2019 – 28 May 2024
PresidentIbrahim Mohamed Solih
(2019–2023)
Mohamed Muizzu
(2023–2024)
Vice PresidentFaisal Naseem
(2019–2023)
Hussain Mohamed Latheef
(2023–2024)
SpeakerMohamed Nasheed
(2019–2023)
Mohamed Aslam
(2023–2024)
Deputy SpeakerEva Abdulla
(2019–2023)
Ahmed Saleem
(2023–2024)
Preceded byAbdulla Sinan
Succeeded byMusthafa Hassan
Parliamentary groupMaldivian Democratic Party
(2019–2023)
People's National Congress (Maldives)
(2023–2024)
ConstituencyMachangoalhi South
Parliamentary Group Whip
In office
2 July 2019 – 29 September 2023
Parliamentary groupMaldivian Democratic Party
Country Treasurer to the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption
In office
17 December 2023 – 15 July 2024
Preceded byOffice Established
Succeeded byAhmed Shakir
Parliamentary groupMaldivian Democratic Party
Personal details
Born (1980-09-17) 17 September 1980 (age 44)
Malé, Maldives
Political partyCongress
(2023–present)
Other political
affiliations
Democratic
(2019–2023)
SpouseShajaan Muaz Shaheem
Children5
ProfessionPolitician
Signature

Ahmed Haitham (/ˈɑːməd ˈhaɪθəm/ AH-maadh-HA-ai-THAAM; Dhivehi: އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް; born 17 September 1980) is a Maldivian politician and a Parliamentarian, known for his advocacy in social justice, child welfare, and anti-corruption efforts. He is a former member of the People's Majlis representing the South Machangoalhi constituency. He was elected in 2019, serving until 2024. In 2023, amidst internal party discord, he resigned from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and subsequently aligned himself with the People’s National Congress. Haitham was known for his active role in social justice, child welfare, and health-related issues during his tenure. He is credited with orchestrating a Maldivian ban on Israeli passports as well as unveiling high-profile corruption in COVID-19 ventilator procurement, culminating in the ousting of the health minister. On 17 December 2023, during his tenure as a parliamentarian, Ahmed Haitham was elected to the Executive Committee of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), serving as the Country Treasurer.

During his tenure in parliament, Haitham held positions in several standing committees and subcommittees, contributing to policymaking on various national and international issues. He was a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and the Committee on National Security Services. He served as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Economic Affairs and Environment and Climate Change and the Subcommittee on National Security Services, which addressed the Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute. Haitham also chaired two subcommittees under the Committee on Environment and Climate Change, overseeing the Energy Bill (Dhivehi: ހަކަތައިގެ ބިލު) and the PLS work of the Climate Emergency Act. These roles encompassed areas such as foreign relations, national security, and environmental policy.

Early life

Ahmed Haitham began his career in the late 1990s as an information technology professional. Over two decades, he worked on various ICT projects and provided consultancy for multiple companies, contributing to the advancement of technology in the Maldives. Haitham’s educational background includes attending Jamaluddin School, Iskandhar School, and Majeediyya School. He has earned various professional certifications and licenses in fields such as systems architecture, network management, and cybersecurity.

Haitham, captured during his time as a Minivan Daily photojournalist, documenting a protest in 2012.

In addition to his work in ICT, Haitham worked as a photojournalist for Minivan Daily, a publication known for its critical coverage of political and social issues. During his tenure in 2012, he was arrested while covering politically sensitive events in the Maldives. On the eve of 11 July 2012, Haitham was reportedly assaulted by police while covering a protest, an incident that underscored the difficulties faced by journalists during that period. According to media reports, several journalists, including Haitham and Ahmed Shanoon of Raajje TV—who suffered a collarbone injury after being struck with a baton, were targeted while reporting on politically charged events. The period was marked by ongoing challenges to press freedom in the Maldives, with journalists frequently subjected to harassment, arrests, and physical attacks by authorities.

This article is part of a series on the
People's Majlis
Majlis-logo]
Majlis-logo]
Parliament


People's Majlis
Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim


Parliament Members
ElectionsParliamentary Elections
Political partiesGovernment

Others





flag Maldives portal

Prior to his political career in 2019, he was also involved in the fitness industry, owning a gym in the capital city and working as a certified health coach and a fitness instructor.

Personal life

Ahmed Haitham was born on 17 September 1980 to Aishath Ahmed, recipient of the National Service Award from the president of the Maldives for her 46 years of service at the Administration for the Communication Authority of the Maldives on 29 July 2023. On 15 October 2020, Haitham married Shajaan Muaz Shaheem. Shajaan gave birth to their twins, a girl and a boy, in 2021, prematurely at 29 weeks due to threats and harassment during her pregnancy. Together, they have three more children.

Electoral history

In the MDP primary election for the South Machangoalhi constituency held on 19 January 2019, Ahmed Haitham, represented the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was elected as the Member of Parliament for South Machangoalhi in 8th of April 2019 parliamentary elections, contributing to the MDP’s historic landslide victory. The 2019 Maldivian parliamentary election marked the first time a single party secured a supermajority in the People’s Majlis, with the MDP winning 65 out of 87 seats.

Haitham’s campaign in South Machangoalhi was faced with challenges, including incidents of vandalism and intimidation. His campaign booth near the Machchangolhi cemetery was damaged, with glass panels shattered and banners removed. Campaign banners across the constituency were also taken down, while six bikes, including one used by a member of Haitham’s campaign team, were set on fire near a local shop, Haitham received death threats demanding his withdrawal from the election following these incidents. Despite these threats and incidents, the campaign proceeded. Allegations of an anti-Islamic agenda caused pre-election disunity during Haitham’s 2019 campaign

2019 South Machangolhi parliamentary election
Party Candidate Votes %
MDP Ahmed Haitham 933 45.1
Independent Abdulla Sinan 693 33.5
JP Ibrahim Mamnoon 350 16.9
Independent Abdulla Leemaan Zahir 96 4.6
Independent Fuad Thaufeeq 74 3.6
Independent Ibrahim Shakir 15 0.7
Total votes 2,161 100.0
MDP hold

Source: Elections Commission

The 2019 Maldivian parliamentary elections were a pivotal moment in Maldivian politics. Led by president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former president Mohamed Nasheed, the MDP’s “Agenda 19” campaign emphasised reform and development pledges. The party triumphed in major population hubs, including nearly all seats in Malé, where Haitham’s constituency was a key victory. With the MDP’s supermajority, the new parliament held unprecedented legislative power, enabling constitutional amendments and judicial reforms. Haitham’s election from South Machhangoalhi symbolised this transformative shift in Maldivian politics, where the MDP believed moved to implement its ambitious reform agenda.

Haitham taking the oath as a parliamentarian of the People’s Majlis on 28 May 2019

Haitham secured the South Machangoalhi constituency, winning 933 votes. Defeating the then-sitting MP Abdulla Sinan who followed with 693 votes, while the remaining candidates, including independent contenders and Ibrahim Mamnoon of the Jumhooree Party (JP), received smaller shares of the vote.

Ahmed Haitham took his oath as a parliamentarian of the People’s Majlis on 28 May 2019, along with the 85 newly-elected members of the 19th Parliament. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice Ahmed Abdulla Didi and took place inside the chambers of the Maldivian Parliament.

On 2 July 2019, Ahmed Haitham was elected as a whip of MDP during the party’s parliamentary group elections. His election was part of broader leadership selections within the MDP, following its landslide victory in the April 2019 parliamentary elections. Haitham’s role as a whip positioned him as a key figure in maintaining party cohesion and legislative strategy within the parliamentary group.

Legislative Tenure

Ahmed Haitham’s first noteworthy parliamentary initiative was the proposal to ban single-use plastics in the People's Majlis. He began by demonstrating his commitment to the cause, bringing a glass bottle to the Majlis on 18th of June 2019´s parliamentary session as an example of reducing plastic use. Haitham’s initiative led to an amendment that resulted in the Maldivian parliament unanimously passing a ban on single-use plastics in People's Majlis, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability in the parliament.

4th Environment and Climate Change Committee held on 23 June 2019.

On 1 July 2019, a resolution to impose a nation-wide ban on single-use plastics was brought to the floor of the Maldivian parliament by the Environment and Climate Change Committee, where Ahmed Haitham served as Vice Chair. The resolution was presented following a special request made by school students urging greater action on environmental protection. This marked the beginning of legislative efforts to reduce plastic waste in the Maldives, with the resolution calling for a reduction in the production of small plastic water bottles, the ban of certain plastic products such as supari packets and straws, and the establishment of alternative solutions for plastic bags, aiming for implementation by 2025.

Initiative on Undocumented and Illegal Workers in the Maldives

Haitham Proposing the Amendment at Committee on National Security & Foreign Relations.

On June 23, 2019, Haitham initiated a matter on undocumented and illegal Migrants in the Maldives through the National Security and Foreign Relations Committee of the People's Majlis. The parliamentary Hansard records that he proposed addressing this issue, framing it as a potential national security concern.

Key aspects of the initiative
  • Proposing to address undocumented and illegal Migrants in the Maldives.
  • Calling for an accurate count of illegal immigrants.
  • Framing the issue as a potential threat to national security.
  • Initiating a committee process involving key stakeholders.
  • Committee Proceedings.

On July 17, 2019, the committee summoned representatives from various government agencies, including the Maldives Police Services , Maldives Immigration, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, these committee proceedings were classified as confidential and not accessible to the public, The discussions were carried out off record upon the request of the stakeholders.

Government Initiatives

Following Haitham's initiative, the government implemented several measures, These initiatives demonstrate the government's response to the issues raised by Haitham, focusing on regularising undocumented workers and improving their legal status in the Maldives. Then Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail announced his intention to resign if the issue of illegal expatriates in the Maldives remains unresolved.

Confidential Committee on National Security & Foreign Relations.

Immigration Watch: A platform enabling the public to report suspected cases of immigration violations.

Regularisation Program (2019):

Special Voluntary Departure Program (SVDP):
  • Conducted by the Expatriate Monitoring and Repatriation Section (EMRS)
  • Approximately 12,000 expatriates registered
  • Over 6,000 migrants returned to Maldives with legal status
Migrant Resource Centre (MRC):

In 2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) initiated a project to establish an MRC in the Greater Male' Area to provide information and services to migrants.

While the full details of the committee's confidential proceedings are not publicly available, the subsequent policy developments and government initiatives suggest that Haitham's initiative contributed to bringing this issue to the forefront of national discourse and policy-making in the Maldives. The government's actions reflect a multi-faceted approach to addressing the challenges posed by undocumented workers, balancing national security concerns with the need to protect migrant rights and improve their living conditions.

In September 2023, Haitham left the ruling MDP and became a member of the opposition, following political pressures and threats to his safety.

References

  1. ^ "Ahmed Haitham". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  2. Hussain, Shafraz Ahmed (28 September 2023). "MP Haitham leaves MDP". Maldives Voice. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  3. "MP Haitham leaves MDP citing 'loss of values'". Sun. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  4. "MP Haitham leaves the main-ruling MDP". Avas. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  5. Richards, Andrew (29 September 2023). "MDP Loses MP as Former MP Joins Fold". Maldives Republic. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  6. "Motion calling for pre-approved visas for tourists submitted to parliament". ThePress. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  7. Hadi, Ahmedulla Abdul (8 July 2020). "Speaker: No one is better aware of child abuse issues than MPs". Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  8. "MP Haitham Calls for Restriction of Israeli Tourists to Maldives". MV+. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  9. "MP Haitham calls for travel ban on Israeli citizens". Sun. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  10. Sarkar, Alisha Rahaman (3 June 2024). "Israel asks citizens to leave Maldives after island's ban on Israeli nationals". The Independent. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  11. Zalif, Zunana (10 April 2020). "Covid-19: MP seeks to question Minister Ameen on ventilator shipment". Raajje TV. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  12. Hadi, Ahmedulla Abdul (10 April 2020). "MP proposes to question Health Minister over ventilators". Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  13. Mohamed, Mizna (28 April 2020). "Minister responds to MP's queries amid allegations of constitutional breach". ThePress. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  14. Osmanagic, Ameera (7 December 2020). "Ameen deliberately lied to Parliament: Committee report". The Times of Addu. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  15. Hadi, Ahmedulla Abdul (7 December 2020). "Parliament votes to charge ex-Minister Ameen for ethics violation". Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  16. Sulaimaan, Ali (17 December 2023). "މަޖިލިސް މެމްބަރުން ކޮރަޕްޝަނާއި ދުރުކުރުވުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރާ ޖަމާޢަތް ގޯޕެކްގެ ރާއްޖޭގެ ގޮފީގެ އިންތިޚާބު ބާއްވައިފި" . Noon. Retrieved 16 December 2024. 2. އަޙްމަދު ޚައިތަމް - ޓްރެޜަރަރ
  17. "19th Foreign Relations Committee". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  18. "19th Committee on National Security Services". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  19. "19th Sub Committee of Joint Committee of Economic Affairs Committee & Environment and Climate Change Committee". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  20. "19th Sub Committee on National Security Services (Regarding the letter sent by the Maldivian government on Chaagos issue)". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  21. "19th Sub Committee of Committee on Environment and Climate Change (Hakathaige Bill)". People's Majlis. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  22. ^ Shareef, Hussain (2 May 2022). "ހައިތަމްގެ ހަޔާތުގައި ކާމިޔާބަށް ކުރެއްވި ދަތުރު". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  23. "journalists arrested – Minivan News – Archive". 2015-03-28. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  24. "Maldives - Page 5 of 7". IFEX. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  25. "Wave of Violence Against Journalists in the Maldives / IFJ". www.ifj.org. 2012-07-16. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  26. "At least four journalists attacked in Maldives protests". Committee to Protect Journalists. 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  27. "Amnesty accuses Maldives government of beatings and torture". BBC News. 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  28. "Ahmed Khaitham". Majlis Election 2019 Coverage (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  29. "July 14, 2012 – Minivan News – Archive". 2012-07-14. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  30. "Physical Fitness Center". Local.mv in the Maldives. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  31. "The President awards National Public Service honour to 148 veteran State employees". The President's Office. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  32. "The President attributes Maldives' development to the sacrifices of long-serving State officials". The President's Office. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  33. Rasheed, Nabaahath Ibrahim (15 October 2020). "މެމްބަރު ހައިތަމް ކައިވެނި ކުރައްވައިފި" . Vaguthu (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  34. "ޝަޖާންގެ ދުލުން: ކުދިން ސަލާމަތްވީ ހަމަ ކިރިޔާ". Avas (in Divehi). 25 October 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  35. "މެންބަރު ހައިތަމްގެ ދެމަފިރިކަނބަލުންނަށް އިންޒާރު ދިން މައްސަލައެއް ފުލުހުން ބަލަނީ". PSM News (in Divehi). 5 June 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  36. "މެމްބަރު ހައިތަމް އަށް އެއްމާބަނޑު ދެ ކުދިން ލިބިވަޑައިގެންފި". Vaguthu (in Divehi). 13 August 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  37. ^ "Parliamentary Election 2019 Statistics". Elections Commission. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  38. "MDP elects parliamentary candidates in nationwide primaries". Maldives Independent. 19 January 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  39. "Former Maldives president makes comeback with landslide win". Al Jazeera English. 7 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  40. "Yellow wave sweeps MDP to historic 65-seat haul". Maldives Independent. 8 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  41. ^ "MDP wins majority from all the cities". PSM News. 7 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  42. ^ Imad, Amnaa (4 April 2019). "އިންޒާރު ދިން ނަމަވެސް އެމްޑީޕީގެ އެއްވެސް ކެންޑިޑޭޓެއް ފަހަތަށް ނުޖެހޭނެ: ހައިތަމް". Raajje TV (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  43. Yameen, Mohamed (23 March 2019). "އެމްޑީޕީގެ ކެންޑިޑޭޓު ހައިތަމްގެ ކެމްޕެއިން ޖަގަހަ އަށް ގެއްލުން ދީފި". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  44. "Maldives: Allegations of anti-Islamic agenda cause pre-election disunity". Open Doors. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  45. "Parliamentary Election 2019 Statistics". Elections Commission. Retrieved 16 December 2024. Go to the "Results" tab and search "Mahchangoalhee Dhekunu" (meaning South Machangoalhi).
  46. "Elections in the Maldives: 2019 Parliamentary Elections". International Foundation for Electoral Systems. 5 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  47. Mallempati, Samatha (25 February 2019). "Forthcoming Parliamentary Elections in Maldives: Initial Observations". Indian Council of World Affairs. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  48. "MDP's Primary Election results". Maldives Voice. 19 January 2024. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  49. "MDP to celebrate win on Saturday night". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  50. Roy, Shubhajit (10 April 2019). "Simply put: A new high in Maldives". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  51. "Party of Exiled Former Maldives Leader Wins Historic Victory". Voice of America. Agence France-Presse. 10 April 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  52. "Gallery". People's Majlis of Maldives. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  53. "Machangolhi Dhekunu Dhaairaa". Majlis Election 2019. Mihaaru. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  54. "New Maldivian Parliament takes oath". PSMnews.mv. 2019-05-28. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  55. "Members of the 19th Parliament sworn in". Avas. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  56. Ali, Humaam (29 May 2019). "Newly elected MPs take oath of office". Raajje TV. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  57. "MDP elects Azim as Parliamentary Group Leader". PSM News. 2 July 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  58. ^ "މަޖިލީހަށް މިސާލު ދައްކަވައިދެއްވި މެންބަަރަަކަށް ހައިތަމް!". Voice (in Divehi). 18 June 2019. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  59. "1st meeting of 2019". People's Majlis. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  60. Hussain, Fathimath Aruma (1 July 2019). "Parliament passes resolution to ban single-use plastics by 2025". Sun. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  61. "Maldives, Republic of the". Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  62. "Chamber Documents - People's Majlis of Maldives". majlis.gov.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  63. raajje.mv. "Close to 105k undocumented expats living in Maldives, illegally: Committee". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  64. raajje.mv. "Over 60,000 expats working illegally in Maldives, says Immigration". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  65. raajje.mv. "Bidheyseen'ge mahsala hallukurumah task force'eh ufahdhan ninmaifi". raajje.mv (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  66. "Employment status verification to be done for expats being repatriated". The Times of Addu. 2020-11-13. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  67. "Over 60,000 undocumented expats in Maldives, says immigration". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  68. "Over 177,000 expatriates work in the Maldives: stats". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  69. raajje.mv. "Committee meeting on 'illegal expatriate workers' held behind closed doors". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  70. raajje.mv. "Committee to summon immigration, police officials over decision to deport Bangladeshi suspects". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  71. "Immigration issues over 7,000 work visas in December 2019". PSMnews.mv. 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  72. "Bidheysheenge Mahsala balaa Committee Sirru Kuree Kairi Gaumu thakaa gulhun goasvedhaane thee". sun.mv (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  73. Maldives, Corporate (2020-07-14). "Government to Repatriate 20,000 Undocumented Expatriates". corporatemaldives.com. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  74. raajje.mv. "Raids conducted to identify undocumented expats residing illegally in Maldives". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  75. Mihaaru, Aishath Nuzuha (2024-05-20). "Bidheyseen ge massala kolheggai jessun: Sarukaaruge bodu amaazeh!". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  76. "Issue of increase in number of foreign expats will be addressed: Controller". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  77. "Govt hopes to repatriate 20,000 undocumented expat by end of year". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  78. "'Will resign if expat issue remains unresolved': Economic Minister". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  79. "Massala hallu nuvejje nama magaamu dhookollaanan: Fayyaz". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  80. "Immigration issues over 7,000 work visas in December 2019". PSMnews.mv. 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  81. "Maldives: Covid-19 and Detention". Global Detention Project | Mapping immigration detention around the world. 2020-05-04. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  82. "Regularisation Programme by Economic Ministry well received". PSMnews.mv. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  83. "Maldives suspends expat recruitment from Bangladesh | Atoll Times". atolltimes.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  84. raajje.mv. "45 rashakun 4000 ah vure gina bidheyseen ge biometric mauloomaathu nagaifi". raajje.mv (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  85. "90 percent Regularization Program applicants lack passports". SunOnline International. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  86. admin. "Thousands of expatriates queued to register". today.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  87. "Govt. prepares to take strict action against expats engaged in illegal trade". SunOnline International. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  88. "Maldives opens way for undocumented Bangladeshis to get regularised". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  89. "Maldives: Establish a Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) for Enhanced Protection Services to Migrants and Access to Safe Migration". International Organization for Migration. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  90. "MRC begins issuing beneficiary cards for migrant workers". PSMnews.mv. 2020-05-18. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  91. "Committee meeting over illegal migrants held behind closed doors". SunOnline International. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  92. raajje.mv. "Over 60,000 migrant workers -out of nearly 200k- living in Maldives illegally". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  93. raajje.mv. "Over 60,000 migrant workers -out of nearly 200k- living in Maldives illegally". raajje.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  94. "Bodheyseen ge massala: Kulliakah hallu kurevey varah vure maa bodu!". Mihaaru (in Divehi). 2024-03-30. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  95. "MP Haitham's car on fire just days after accident, arson suspected". The Edition. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  96. "Former MP Haitham's car blown up in Sri Lanka". adhadhu.com (in Divehi). Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  97. "MP Haitham leaves the main-ruling MDP". avas.mv. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  98. "Action must be taken against those who mock Islam: Haitham". The Times of Addu. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  99. "Parliament passes resolution calling for a ban on Israeli tourists and products". Adhadhu. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  100. Richards, Andrew (2023-09-29). "MDP Loses MP as Former MP Joins Fold". Maldives Republic. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
Categories: