Island nation, Maldives, denies entry to citizens of Israel
The Maldives, a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, has imposed a ban on Israeli passport holders. The decision was announced by the presidential office of the Maldives in July 2025, following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's call for a ban in June of the same year.
The ban is a political protest and gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Maldives' government and representatives have condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing Israel of unlawful occupation and causing systematic displacement, dispossession, and human suffering.
At the 2025 Conference on the Question of Jerusalem, the Maldives' Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ahmed Sareer, described Israeli policies as fostering "oppression and displacement" in Palestinian territories including East Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire and stronger international action to address the humanitarian crisis, framing Israel’s actions as part of broader systemic violence and occupation.
The proposed ban on Israeli passport holders aligns with the Maldives' diplomatic stance condemning Israeli military operations in Gaza and supporting Palestinian rights. This reflects the country’s active membership in the OIC and its solidarity with Palestine in international forums.
In response to the potential implementation of the ban, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to avoid the Maldives. Israel has repeatedly rejected the accusations made by the Maldives government, with no official comment made on the ban as of the date of this article.
The Maldives' decision to potentially ban Israeli passport holders is due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip. The reason given for the ban is that Israel is accused of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. However, it is important to note that the ban has not yet been implemented as of the date of this news article.
References: [1] "Maldives bans Israeli passport holders in solidarity with Palestinians." Al Jazeera, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/1/maldives-bans-israeli-passport-holders-in-solidarity-with-palestinians [2] "Maldives bans Israeli passport holders." BBC News, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57123498 [5] "Maldives calls for stronger international action on Gaza." Gulf News, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/palestinian-territories/maldives-calls-for-stronger-international-action-on-gaza-1.1636220639955
- The Maldives' decision to potentially ban Israeli passport holders is a political stance in response to the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, condemning Israel's actions and supporting the Palestinians.
- The Maldives' policy-and-legislation, as evidenced by the ban, aligns with its active membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and its solidarity with Palestine in international forums.
- This general-news topic of the Maldives' potential ban on Israeli passport holders is also linked to the crime-and-justice aspect, as it has yet to be implemented and has been met with responses from both the Maldives' government and Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
