Maldives Bans Israeli Passport Holders in Solidarity with Palestinians
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 16, 2025
- 12:19 pm
- 38
- Current Affairs
Maldives bans Israelis from entering the country after passing a new law. This law came in response to the conflict in Gaza. President Mohamed Muizzu signed the bill after the Maldives parliament made changes to the Immigration Act. The decision shows the Maldives’ strong support for Palestinians and its stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Now, people with an Israeli passport are not allowed to enter the Maldives. However, those with dual nationality can still visit if they use another country’s passport. This new rule shows growing support in the Maldives for the Palestinian cause. The public had been pressuring the government to take action.
From Proposal to Law
The idea for the ban began in May 2024. An opposition lawmaker, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, introduced the bill. It went through many steps, including a review by the Committee on Security Services. It took nearly 308 days to complete the process. Lawmakers fully approved it, and President Muizzu signed it into law on April 15, 2025.
Muizzu’s office said the law shows the Maldives’ “resolute solidarity with the Palestinian people” and its rejection of the “ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide” in Gaza.
This is not the first time the Maldives has restricted travel from Israel. The Maldives first recognized Israel in 1965 but cut ties in 1974. The ban was lifted in the 1990s. In 2009, the countries signed some cooperation deals. However, ties were cut again in 2018. Relations have stayed tense since then.
Impact on Tourism and Diplomacy
The Maldives is famous for its clear waters and high-end resorts. It attracts millions of tourists each year. In 2023, over 11,000 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives. But after the Gaza conflict worsened in 2024, the number dropped fast. In early 2024, only 528 Israelis visited. This was much lower than the 4,600 visitors during the same time in 2023. By February 2025, just 59 Israeli tourists had arrived out of more than 200,000 total visitors that month.
After the ban, Israel’s foreign ministry warned its citizens about traveling to the Maldives. This includes people with dual nationality. The ministry also asked Israelis already in the Maldives to think about leaving. They said there was limited help available for them.
New Humanitarian Efforts Announced
Along with the travel ban, the government of Maldives shared new plans. A special envoy will be appointed to work on global humanitarian efforts. These efforts will focus on helping Palestinians. The government also launched a fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.” This campaign will collect donations from across the Maldives to support Gaza war victims.
The Maldives is a Muslim-majority country with around 530,000 people. The government’s decision makes it clear that it supports the Palestinian side. The travel ban is similar to actions taken by other countries. It also shows that the Maldivian people want stronger steps in support of Palestine.
“The Maldives reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause,” the President’s Office said in a statement.
