Parliament has approved referring the Organ Transplant Bill to the Social Affairs Committee for further review after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned the legislation for reconsideration.

The decision was endorsed during Tuesday's sitting, with 62 members voting in favour of sending the bill to committee for additional scrutiny.

President Dr Muizzu sent the bill back to Parliament citing concerns over several provisions, including clauses related to organ donation by detainees and individuals under State custody.

The decision followed a review of amendments introduced during the bill's passage through Parliament, as well as consideration of practical challenges that may arise in implementing certain provisions of the legislation.

The President also raised concerns over legal and procedural aspects of the bill, including the removal of a Government-proposed clause that would have prohibited organ donations from prisoners and persons under State care. Additional concerns related to the enforceability of some penalties stipulated in the bill and provisions requiring regulations to be drafted and implemented before the law takes effect.

The bill will now be examined by the Social Affairs Committee before being submitted to Parliament for further consideration.