Maldives Moves to Enact Permanent Ban on Israeli Passport Holders
President Muizzu proposes legislation to permanently bar Israeli citizens from entering the island nation.
1Legislative Proposal Announced
The office of President Mohamed Muizzu announced a new bill seeking an unconditional, permanent ban on Israeli passport holders entering the Maldives. This proposal, revealed during a Monday press conference, aims to formalize restrictions that were previously implemented. The bill has already successfully passed its first reading within the national parliament.
2Evolution of Travel Restrictions
The Maldives previously enacted a temporary ban on Israeli travelers in April 2025 following the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While that initial measure remains currently in force, the new legislation is designed to tighten these restrictions permanently. The government intends to maintain this policy regardless of any future shifts in circumstances.
3Scope of the Ban
The proposed travel ban specifically targets individuals holding Israeli passports. However, the legislation does not extend to Israelis who travel using a second passport from another nation. This distinction allows for a specific application of the policy while ensuring that the primary intent of the government is clearly defined and enforced.
4Economic and Property Restrictions
Beyond tourism, the government submitted a separate bill to bar Israeli citizens and Israeli-owned companies from acquiring leasehold rights in development zones. Unlike the travel ban, these property restrictions would apply to all Israelis, including those using a second passport. Buyers will be subject to mandatory screening processes under this new law.
5Diplomatic and Historical Context
The Maldives previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and briefly attempted to restore diplomatic relations in 2010. However, tensions have escalated significantly during the current Gaza war. President Muizzu has explicitly described Israel’s military actions as genocide, framing the travel ban as a necessary moral stance.
6Israeli Travel Warnings
In December 2023, Israel issued a formal travel warning advising its citizens against visiting the Maldives due to rising anti-Israel sentiment. The Israeli Foreign Ministry noted that providing consular assistance would be difficult if citizens encountered trouble. This warning preceded the current legislative efforts to permanently restrict access to the archipelago.
7Strategic Island Geography
The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands known for secluded beaches and turquoise lagoons, attracting tourists globally. The nation has a population of nearly half a million people, who are almost entirely Muslim. This cultural and religious identity plays a significant role in the government's current political stance regarding the conflict.
8Future Parliamentary Approval
Both the travel ban and the property acquisition restrictions currently await full parliamentary approval before becoming law. While the first reading has passed, the final implementation depends on the legislative process. Observers are monitoring the parliament to see if these measures will be enacted as proposed by the president's office.
Original article: The New Arab — Maldives Moves to Enact Permanent Ban on Israeli Passport Holders