The Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Wednesday reminded local councils that non-Islamic practices are illegal in the country, urging the councils to be more vigilant.
In a circular, the Ministry urged all local councils to advise and inform expatriate workers recruitment agencies and tourism related establishments to abide by local laws and regulations.
The circular noted that it is the responsibility of such agencies that bring expatriates and tourists to Maldives to ascertain conformity of visitors to the Religious Unity Act.
The law prohibits the practice by citizens of any religion other than Islam while non-Muslim foreigners are banned from publicly practicing religious beliefs or religious congregations. Locals are also prohibited from engaging in any non-Muslim religious practices of any kind under the law.
The Ministry has asked guest houses operating in inhabited islands to advise foreign guests to abide by the laws and social norms.
Every year, around the Christmas and New Year holidays, authorities are often forced to take action against decorations and celebrations that violate the country’s religious laws.