An MP has submitted a resolution to Parliament today calling for the immediate suspension of the “Maldives Pearl Residence Programme,” a government initiative that grants permanent residency to foreign nationals.

The resolution was tabled by Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, MP for Hulhumale South constituency. The first reading of the resolution was held during today’s parliamentary sitting, with Shamheed also calling on the government to disclose all agreements related to the programme to Parliament and the public.

According to Shamheed, the government is implementing this policy of granting permanent residency to foreigners without any law passed by Parliament. He noted that the programme is being carried out solely on the basis of an administrative decision.

The resolution further highlights that although the work has been handed over to a foreign private company, “Henley and Partners,” no financial or legal details of the arrangement have been disclosed to date. Shamheed said the terms of the agreement signed with the company in Singapore on July 1, 2025, remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether the Maldivian state stands to gain any financial benefit from the programme.

Shamheed expressed his greatest concern over the villas being built under the project, which are currently being advertised for sale. He warned that such projects could give rise to a “state within a state” — an entity vested with distinct administrative and legal powers — potentially eroding the sovereign authority guaranteed by the Constitution.

Citing serious concerns that could threaten national security and the financial sovereignty of the state, the resolution urges the government to immediately halt the programme and make all related agreements public.