In a landmark move underscoring its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, the Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, effective immediately. This decision, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu on April 15, 2025, follows a unanimous vote in the Maldivian Parliament, marking a significant escalation in the country’s stance against Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
The new regulation has been formally incorporated into the Maldives’ Immigration Act, making it illegal for any individual holding an Israeli passport to enter the country. This legislative amendment solidifies the Maldives’ strong political and humanitarian position regarding the ongoing conflict in Palestine, particularly Gaza, and aligns with growing public pressure in Muslim-majority nations to take firmer action against Israeli policies.
This decision is particularly notable in light of past tourism trends. In 2023, more than 11,000 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives, drawn by its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. However, reports indicate a steep decline in Israeli tourist numbers in 2024, following Israel’s renewed military campaign in Gaza. The Maldives’ recent action reflects not only a governmental policy shift but also an evolving national sentiment increasingly aligned with the Palestinian cause.
In response to the ban, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has issued an advisory urging Israeli citizens to avoid travel to the Maldives altogether. The Ministry further advised Israeli nationals currently in the Maldives to consider departing the country due to limited or non-existent consular services, highlighting the potential diplomatic and safety implications for holders of an Israeli passport traveling to or staying in the island nation.
President Mohamed Muizzu has also announced two additional humanitarian initiatives aimed at reinforcing the Maldives’ support for Palestinians. First, the government will appoint a special envoy tasked with assessing the humanitarian needs in the Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza. Second, the Maldives will launch a nationwide fundraising campaign titled “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”, aimed at mobilizing financial aid for Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict.
Historically, the Maldives has maintained a clear stance in favor of Palestinian rights on international platforms. The country previously severed all trade ties with Israel in 2014, also in protest of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This most recent measure aligns with the Maldives’ broader foreign policy that emphasizes human rights, Islamic solidarity, and opposition to Israeli aggression.
With this latest action, the Maldives joins a list of countries including Algeria, Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia that maintain formal restrictions on Israeli passport holders. While such bans may affect tourism revenue, they also reflect the Maldives’ firm prioritization of ethical and humanitarian considerations in its international relations.
Importantly, the amendment to the Maldives’ Immigration Act includes a clause allowing individuals with dual nationality to enter the country using the passport of a different nation, so long as it is not an Israeli passport. This clause introduces a measure of flexibility, particularly for dual citizens and diaspora communities, while maintaining the Maldivian government’s core position.
The announcement has garnered significant international attention and could have far-reaching diplomatic implications. Observers around the world are watching closely to see how the Maldives’ firm stance will impact its relationships with Western nations and other tourism-dependent partners. Still, the country’s leaders appear undeterred, clearly indicating that standing with Palestine outweighs economic or diplomatic concerns tied to Israel.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, the Maldives’ ban on Israeli passport holders stands out as one of the most decisive moves by any government in recent months. It reflects a deepening global divide over the conflict and underscores the growing calls for concrete action against Israel, not just rhetoric.
This development places the Maldives in a leading role among nations showing tangible solidarity with the Palestinian people, reinforcing its image as a country willing to align policy with principle—even at the cost of diplomatic friction or economic impact.
