Freedom
of religion is significantly restricted in Maldives. Practice of any non-Muslim
religion is prohibited by law. While foreign residents are permitted to
practice their faith if they do so in private, there are no non-Muslim
places of worship, importation of icons or religious statues is prohibited
and non-Muslim clergy are prohibited from proselytizing or conducting religious
services. Conversion of a Muslim to another faith violates Islamic law
and may result in loss of citizenship. According to Maldive law enforcement
authorities, this provision has never been applied.