The Maldives bans the entry of Israeli citizens into the country.
Amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinian people, the Maldives has officially imposed a ban on the entry of Israeli citizens into the country.
According to international news agencies, the Maldivian government has banned individuals holding Israeli passports from entering its territory in protest against the ongoing Israeli attacks and what many are calling genocide in Gaza.
A government statement emphasised that the decision reflects the Maldives’ strong support for Palestinians and its condemnation of Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza.
“This action reflects our deep solidarity with the Palestinian people and our firm stance against Israeli aggression,” the statement read.
The new law also clarifies that individuals with dual citizenship may still be allowed entry into the Maldives if they travel using the passport of a country other than Israel.
The ban comes amid growing public and political pressure within the Maldives.
The legislation was initially proposed in May 2024 and, following a series of amendments, was recently passed by the Maldivian parliament.
President Mohamed Muizzu signed the bill into law after it received parliamentary approval.
As Maldives bans entry of Israeli citizens into the country, the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected rumours regarding the recognition of Israeli interests in the country, labelling such claims as mere propaganda.
The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is a country and archipelagic state in South Asia in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent’s mainland.
Tourism is a major driver of the Maldives economy, accounting for about 21% of its GDP and earning $5.6 billion in 2024, according to government data. The island nation is expecting earnings of about $5 billion this year.
