The Maldives has announced it will prohibit Israelis from entering the country, known for its luxury resorts. This decision comes as public outrage over the ongoing Gaza war intensifies in the predominantly Muslim nation.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s office stated, “President Muizzu has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports,” though the exact implementation date of the new law was not specified.
In response to the announcement, Israel’s foreign ministry advised its citizens against traveling to the Maldives, including those with dual citizenship. “For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist,” the ministry said.
Pressure from opposition parties and government allies has been mounting on President Muizzu to take a stand against Israel by banning its citizens. The president’s office confirmed that the cabinet decided to revise laws to block Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives and to form a subcommittee to manage this transition.
Additionally, Muizzu launched a national fundraising campaign titled “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.”
Historically, the Maldives lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and sought to restore relations in 2010. However, these efforts were halted after the ousting of then-president Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012.
The Maldives, an Islamic republic of over 1,000 coral islets, is renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Official data shows a significant decrease in Israeli visitors this year, with numbers dropping to 528 in the first four months, an 88% decline compared to the same period last year. In 2023, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, accounting for 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals.