The Maldives has changed its immigration law to prohibit the entry of Israeli passport holders in protest against the war in Gaza. The move was first tabled last year but has now been ratified by the president.
The government of the Maldives announced on Tuesday that it was banning Israeli nationals from entering the South Asian archipelago over Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
The decision comes in “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people, the office of President Mohamed Muizzu said in a statement.
What led to the ban?
Maldives had initially made the decision to ban Israelis in June 2024.
On Tuesday, the People’s Majlis — the island nation’s parliament — passed an amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act, barring the entry of Israeli passport holders.
Muizzu ratified the amendment shortly after. The leader had been under pressure from government allies and opposition parties to impose the ban as a statement of criticism to the war.
“The ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” the president’s office said.
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide in the war in Gaza which was triggered by the October 7, 2023, terror attack on the country by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The Maldivian president’s office did not specify when the ban would come into force.
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