The Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli passport holders, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The decision, approved by the Maldivian Parliament and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, took immediate effect following an amendment to the country’s immigration laws.
In a statement, the President’s Office condemned what it described as Israel’s “brutal actions” in Gaza and reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. The new regulation bars entry to anyone holding an Israeli passport, although individuals with dual citizenship may still enter using a passport from another country.
The proposal was initially introduced in May 2024 by opposition MP Mickail Ahmed Naseem, passed through the Security Services Committee, and was formally adopted nearly ten months later.
Alongside the travel ban, President Muizzu announced:
- The appointment of a special envoy to assess humanitarian needs in the Palestinian territories.
- The launch of a national fundraising campaign titled “Solidarity with Palestine.”
The Maldives also pledged to continue advocating for accountability for violations of international law and to speak out against Israeli policies on global platforms. The government reaffirmed its support for the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
In 2023, over 11,000 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives. However, that number has significantly declined in 2024 due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
