The Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering its territory, marking a significant diplomatic move amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The decision, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, reflects the island nation’s strong stance against the violence in Gaza and its solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The Maldivian Parliament approved an amendment to the Immigration Act, introducing a provision that prohibits the entry of individuals traveling on Israeli passports. However, the law allows Israeli citizens with dual citizenship to enter the Maldives if they travel using a passport from another country. This amendment follows a year-long push by the Maldivian government to implement the ban.
In a statement, President Muizzu’s office emphasized the government’s firm position against what it described as “ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.” The Maldives has also launched a national fundraising campaign, “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine,” to support the Palestinian cause.
The Maldives, a predominantly Sunni Muslim nation known for its luxury tourism, has a history of limited diplomatic relations with Israel. This latest move aligns with growing anti-Israel sentiment in South Asia, where countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan have witnessed large-scale protests against the Gaza conflict.
The ban is expected to have minimal impact on the Maldives’ tourism sector, as Israeli visitors constitute a small fraction of its overall tourist arrivals. Nevertheless, the decision underscores the Maldives’ commitment to its political and humanitarian stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
