Maldives Imposes Ban on Israeli Visitors

Maldives Imposes Ban on Israeli Visitors

In a bold and controversial move, the Maldives government has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, a decision ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

The Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act, passed unanimously by parliament, prohibits entry for all individuals holding Israeli passports, citing solidarity with Palestinians and condemning Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Reason Behind the Ban

The Maldives, a predominantly Muslim nation known for its idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, framed the ban as a response to what it calls “continued atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide” by Israel in Gaza.

The President’s Office stated that the decision reflects the government’s “resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause” and its commitment to advocating for accountability for violations of international law.

The move follows months of public anger in the Maldives over the Gaza war, which has reportedly killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave, according to international reports.

This is not the first time the Maldives has considered such a measure. In June 2024, the government announced plans for a similar ban but paused it after concerns that it could inadvertently affect Palestinians and Arab Muslims holding Israeli passports.

The latest legislation, however, appears to have resolved these concerns with a blanket prohibition, though details on enforcement remain sparse.

Legal Obligations of the Maldives

Under international law, nations have the sovereign right to control their borders and determine entry policies. The Maldives’ ban aligns with its foreign policy stance, which has increasingly emphasized support for Palestine on global platforms like the United Nations.

The country is also a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a factor that may underscore the Maldives’ commitment to enforcing international legal standards as it sees them.

However, the blanket ban raises questions about compliance with principles of non-discrimination under international human rights frameworks.

Critics argue that targeting individuals based on nationality could violate conventions like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, though the Maldives maintains that its policy is a political statement, not a breach of legal obligations.

Status of Israelis in the Maldives

The status of Israelis currently residing in or visiting the Maldives remains unclear. Official data indicates minimal Israeli presence, with only 59 Israeli tourists recorded in February 2025 among 214,000 total arrivals.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to avoid travel to the Maldives since last year, citing safety concerns. For any Israelis in the country, the ministry has recommended considering departure, warning that consular assistance may be limited in case of distress.

There are no reports of a significant Israeli expatriate community in the Maldives, and the ban is unlikely to affect permanent residents, if any exist.

However, dual citizens holding Israeli passports alongside other nationalities may face complications, as the legislation reportedly applies to all Israeli passport holders, regardless of additional citizenship.

International Community Reaction

The ban has elicited a spectrum of reactions globally. Supporters, particularly in Muslim-majority nations and pro-Palestinian circles, have praised the Maldives for taking a firm stand against Israel’s policies.

Social media posts from the region hailed the move as a courageous act of solidarity, with some calling for other nations to follow suit.

Conversely, Israel condemned the decision, with its Foreign Ministry reiterating travel warnings and urging citizens to avoid the Maldives.

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Western nations, including the United States and European countries, have yet to issue official statements, but diplomatic sources suggest concern over the precedent set by nationality-based bans. Turkey, a vocal critic of Israel, indirectly supported the Maldives’ stance by calling for international accountability for Israel’s actions in a separate statement on regional stability.

The tourism industry, a cornerstone of the Maldives’ economy, has expressed unease. Industry leaders warned in 2024 that a ban could deter broader tourist markets, particularly if perceived as discriminatory.

Israeli tourists, though a small fraction (0.6% of arrivals in 2023), often include high-spending surfers and luxury travelers. Some fear ripple effects if Jewish-owned travel agencies or international investors react negatively.

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