Maldives Ban Israelis Entry: In a move that has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, the Maldives have banned Israelis from entering its pristine archipelago in what President Mohamed Muizzu calls an act of “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people.
This controversial decision reflects the Maldives’ unwavering stance against what it calls Israeli “atrocities” in Gaza.
Maldives Ban Israelis: Legislation Signed and Enforced Immediately
The Maldives ban Israelis policy was signed into law on Tuesday by President Muizzu, just hours after the nation’s parliament overwhelmingly approved the motion.
The president’s office released a strong statement accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians and reaffirmed support for the Palestinian cause.
“The ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel,” read the official statement.
The Maldives ban Israelis measure is already in effect, according to a spokesperson from the president’s office.
The government has made it clear that the entry ban applies to all Israeli citizens without exception, even those travelling through third-party countries.
Tourism Not a Major Loss
The Maldives, an Islamic republic made up of 1,192 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, is globally renowned for its crystal-clear lagoons, luxury resorts, and untouched beaches.
Tourism accounts for over 28% of its GDP, with hundreds of thousands of foreigners arriving every year.
However, official tourism statistics indicate that only 59 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives in February 2025, a tiny fraction of the over 214,000 foreign visitors during the same period.
This shows the Maldives ban Israelis move is symbolic and unlikely to significantly affect the tourism sector.
Political Pressure Behind the Maldives’ Ban on Israelis
The Maldives ban Israelis policy follows weeks of intense pressure from both opposition parties and religious leaders.
Many in the Maldives have been calling for the government to take a firm stance against Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The public outcry intensified after news broke of soaring Palestinian civilian casualties.
The Maldives had previously banned Israeli citizens in the 1970s, only to lift the restriction in the early 1990s. A short-lived attempt to restore diplomatic ties occurred in 2010, but relations never normalized. The Maldives ban Israelis decision has now reversed that trajectory entirely.
Global Reactions to Maldives Ban on Israelis
The Maldives ban Israelis announcement has drawn mixed responses globally. Human rights groups supporting Palestine have praised the Maldives for taking a stand, while pro-Israeli organisations have condemned the decision as discriminatory and counterproductive.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already warned its citizens against travelling to the Maldives last year, citing potential risks amid growing anti-Israel sentiment.
This latest development will likely deepen the diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Gaza War: The Catalyst Behind the Maldives Ban on Israelis
The Maldives ban Israelis policy cannot be separated from the broader context of the Gaza war. The conflict erupted in October 2023 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,218 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a sustained military campaign in Gaza.
Since the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18, over 1,613 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, raising the total Palestinian death toll to 50,983. These alarming numbers have drawn international condemnation and ignited calls for global action.
For the Maldives, the ban on Israelis is their way of answering that call.
Maldives Ban Israelis: A Symbolic But Powerful Statement
Though the number of Israeli tourists is minimal, the Maldives ban Israelis initiative carries enormous symbolic weight. It signals the country’s alignment with global pro-Palestinian movements and serves as a protest against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Maldives is now one of the few countries in the world that has implemented a direct entry ban against Israeli passport holders in 2025.
