The Maldives has banned entry for Israeli passport holders in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, reinforcing its support for Palestine. This law follows earlier proposals and enhances existing restrictions seen in various countries. Israeli dual passport holders may still enter, while traveler advisories have been issued by Israel.
This week, the Maldives amended its immigration laws to prevent entry for travelers holding Israeli passports, reflecting its stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. The government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, expressed its strong support for the Palestinian cause in an official statement. No immediate high-level response was issued by Israel following this announcement.
The proposal to ban Israeli travelers had been introduced earlier in June, leading to an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson advising citizens to avoid traveling to the Maldives. On the day the law was ratified, no response was provided from Israeli officials. However, Maldivian immigration has confirmed that Israelis holding dual nationality may still enter the country.
The Maldives, known for its picturesque islands in the Indian Ocean, remains a favored tourist destination. Reports indicate that over 700,000 tourists have visited in 2025, with 11,000 of those visitors from Israel in 2024 alone. As a Muslim-majority nation, the Maldives constitutionally restricts other religious practices, aligning with its recent immigration policy.
Other nations, such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, have similarly barred Israeli passport holders, mirroring a trend seen in parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, the Maldivian government’s actions are distinct in their direct response to ongoing Gaza conflict.
In recent days, Bangladesh has re-implemented language on its passports explicitly forbidding travel to Israel, maintaining its longstanding policy of non-recognition of the Israeli state. Although the Maldives recognized Israel in the 1960s, diplomatic relations have fluctuated and are no longer fully maintained as of now.
The Maldives has taken a significant step by banning Israeli passport holders in response to the ongoing situation in Gaza, expressing solidarity with Palestine. This law marks a notable change in its immigration policy and highlights a trend among several countries in South Asia and beyond that restrict travel for Israeli citizens. The situation continues to evolve, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
