Maldives enacts ban on Israeli passport holders in solidarity with Palestine

Wednesday 16 April 2025 - 16:45

By: Dakir Madiha

Maldives enacts ban on Israeli passport holders in solidarity with Palestine

In a significant move reflecting solidarity with Palestine, the Maldives has amended its immigration laws to prohibit entry for Israeli passport holders. This decision was formalized by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, following its approval by the People’s Majlis, the country’s unicameral legislative body.

The ratification of the Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act underscores the Maldivian government’s strong position against what it describes as ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. An official statement from the President’s Office emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to defending Palestinian rights and holding Israel accountable for its systematic violations of international law.

Furthermore, the Maldives reiterated its support for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem designated as its capital. This stance aligns with United Nations resolutions and established international legal norms. The pre-1967 borders, also known as the 1949 Armistice border, represent the territories that were recognized prior to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the Six-Day War.

This amendment follows a series of escalating tensions, highlighted by a recent Israeli airstrike that rendered the last fully functioning hospital in Gaza non-operational. The situation has led to heightened scrutiny of Israel’s actions and prompted international calls for accountability.

The original proposal to ban Israeli passport holders was introduced by the Maldivian Democratic Party in May 2023, and after extensive revisions, it was passed nearly 300 days later. Notably, Israel had previously issued a travel advisory against visiting the Maldives, citing a perceived anti-Israel atmosphere due to the global outcry surrounding its military actions in Gaza.

Data indicates that Israeli tourism to the Maldives has significantly declined, with only 59 Israeli visitors recorded in February of this year, a stark contrast to the 11,000 Israeli citizens who visited the Maldives in 2024, accounting for just 0.6% of total arrivals.

The Israeli state operates under a compulsory military draft that requires most Jewish citizens to serve in the Israeli Occupation Forces from the age of 18, blurring the lines between the state and its civilian population. This military force is implicated in the systematic oppression and ongoing violence against the Palestinian people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.