Maldives moves to enact permanent ban on Israeli passport holders, blocks Israeli investment
President Muizzu explained that earlier proposals sought to prohibit entry "until Israel halted the genocide that began following 7 October 2023."
The Maldives is set to permanently ban individuals with Israeli passports from entering the country, according to President Mohamed Muizzu's announcement on Monday. During a press conference, Muizzu stated that Israelis will not be allowed to enter the Maldives under any circumstances, regardless of changing circumstances. Earlier proposals had sought to prohibit entry until Israel halted its actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, incident.
Muizzu described Israel's actions against Palestinians as genocide and emphasized that the Maldives has consistently maintained this position on international platforms, advocating for the Palestinian cause through legal avenues. The newly drafted Immigration Bill, which the government has submitted to the People’s Majlis, reflects these considerations and clearly establishes the Maldives' position on the matter.
The proposed entry ban may impact Israeli citizens with dual nationality, but they will not be allowed to invest in the Maldives due to screening requirements for property buyers. The Maldives' hostility towards Israel is not new, as President Muizzu highlighted the priority of the Palestinian cause in foreign policy during his February 2025 presidential address.
In October, the country filed a declaration of intervention for South Africa's International Court of Justice application against alleged actions in Gaza. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had previously stated in October 2023 that the Maldives' commitment to Palestinians stemmed from the country's Islamic character and its perceived responsibility to alleviate the suffering of oppressed Muslims globally.
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