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The Maldives has passed a legal ban on entry for Israeli citizens, calling it a response to Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, which the island nation’s government called “genocidal crimes against Palestinians”. Reuters reports this with reference to a statement by the office of the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu.
According to an official report, President Muizu ratified an amendment to the immigration law on Wednesday that explicitly bans people holding Israeli passports from entering the country. The country’s parliament had supported the initiative the day before, on Tuesday.
“The ratification reflects the government’s firm position in response to the ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” the official communiqué reads.
Israel’s response and the international context
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate in Colombo declined to comment on the journalists’ request. Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, claiming its right to self-defence under international law, particularly after the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas militants that started the Gaza War.
At the same time, a number of international organisations, including Amnesty International, and the South African government have filed charges against Israel with the International Court of Justice, claiming that its actions have signs of genocide. Israel rejects these claims as politically motivated.
Tourism under political pressure
The ban on Israelis is an unprecedented step for a country whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism. According to government data, in 2024, the industry brought $5.6 billion to the Maldives and accounted for about 21% of GDP. Nevertheless, President Muizzu called for a complete cessation of tourism from Israel in June 2024 following a cabinet recommendation that prompted an immediate response from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, which advised Israeli citizens to refrain from travelling to the Maldives.
The decision of the Maldives could set a precedent and influence the country’s tourism sector, which positions itself as a global resort destination with luxury hotels and white beaches.
