The Maldives has banned entry to Israeli passport holders amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, reaffirming its support for the Palestinian cause. This law, enacted this week, highlights the Maldives’ shifting diplomatic relationships and follows similar bans by other nations. Israeli citizens with dual passports are still permitted entry, despite the travel advisory from Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
The Maldives has recently enacted immigration law changes prohibiting entry to travelers holding Israeli passports, citing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza. This decision reflects the nation’s strong support for the Palestinian cause, as expressed by President Mohamed Muizzu’s office, which emphasized the country’s dedication to protecting Palestinian rights.
Israel has not publicly responded to the law’s ratification, although a spokesperson for its Foreign Ministry previously advised Israelis to refrain from visiting the Maldives. Notably, Israeli citizens with dual nationality will still have the ability to enter this popular tourist destination, according to reports from the Associated Press.
The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago, has attracted over 700,000 visitors in 2025 alone, with nearly 11,000 of these tourists being Israeli citizens in 2024. The country is predominantly Muslim and adheres to a constitution that limits religious practices outside of Islam.
Other South Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, have similarly restricted entry for Israeli passport holders, as have some nations in North Africa and the Middle East. However, the Maldives stands out as the first to implement such a ban explicitly related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bangladesh has recently updated its passport language to reaffirm restrictions against travel to Israel, maintaining its long-standing policy of not recognizing the state.
In summary, the Maldives has prohibited entry to travelers with Israeli passports, reflecting a significant stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and aligning with its support for the Palestinian cause. This law marks a notable moment in the Maldives’ diplomatic history, echoing similar actions taken by other nations in South Asia. The continued influx of tourists underscores the Maldives’ role as a key destination despite the political implications of this decision.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
