The Maldives, a renowned tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, has imposed a ban on Israeli citizens from entering its territory. This move comes as a reaction to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. President Mohammed Muizzu enacted the ban following a recommendation from his cabinet, as announced by his office this week.
The government’s statement elaborated on the decision, indicating amendments to laws preventing Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives and the establishment of a Cabinet subcommittee to oversee these changes. Additionally, President Muizzu decided to appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and initiate a fundraising campaign in collaboration with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). A nationwide rally, under the slogan “Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin” (Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine), is also planned to demonstrate support for Palestine.
Israel’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens to avoid the Maldives and recommended those already in the country to consider leaving, citing potential difficulties in providing assistance if needed.
The U.S. State Department, which has provided significant foreign assistance to the Maldives, did not immediately respond to requests for comments. The Maldives’ constitution mandates Islam as the state religion and prohibits the propagation of any other religion.
In 2022, approximately 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, representing about 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals. The recent ban aligns the Maldives with countries like Iran, Syria, and Algeria, which also prohibit entry to Israeli passport holders.
