On April 15, 2025, the Maldives formally excluded Israeli citizens from visiting the nation, reiterating its unshakeable commitment to the Palestinian people in the face of continued hostilities in Gaza.
President Mohamed Muizzu signed the Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act, adopted by the People's Majlis (parliament) recently. The amendment is a "strong stance against the ongoing atrocities and the on-going acts of genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people," a statement released from his office said.
The Government of Maldives reiterates its strong solidarity with the Palestinian cause and its steadfast commitment to the advancement and protection of the rights of the Palestinian people," the statement continued. It also reiterated the nation's appeal for accountability in regard to international law violations and its continued denunciation of Israeli actions on the international stage.
Though Israel does not play an important role in the Maldives' tourism industry, which is a critical economic pillar for the island country, the move reflects the foreign policy direction of the Muizzu administration. Statistics released recently by the Maldivian tourist board indicate that through April 14, 2025, the archipelago received a cumulative number of tourists this year numbering 729,932, out of whom 70% occupied island resorts. China is still the biggest source of tourists at 11%, with India coming in sixth position with a 5% share. The President's office confirmed to AFP that the ban comes into effect immediately.
The new policy upholds President Muizzu's previous pledge to bar Israeli passport holders from entry. In doing so, the Maldives joins other nations in South Asia, such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, that deny access to Israeli nationals. Bangladesh has just reimposed a passport provision stating "except Israel," effectively barring its citizens from entering the country — a move made in the face of increasing outrage at Israel's Gaza offensive, which has killed more than 50,000 people in the last year and a half.
Elsewhere within the region, Sri Lanka has seen intensified attention towards the presence of Israeli visitors, particularly concerns over alleged unlicensed commercial activities around popular sites. The Sri Lankan government remains to express its "long-standing and unwavering support" for Palestine.
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