Maldives bans Israeli passport holders amid genocide in Gaza

Maldivian Parliament amends immigration law to bar Israeli citizens in protest against ongoing atrocities in Gaza

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) – Maldives’ Parliament unanimously passed an amendment to the Immigration Act banning entry into the country for travelers holding Israeli passports, citing ongoing atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza.

The motion was originally proposed on May 29, 2024, by Meekail Ahmed Naseem, a South Galolhu MP from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). 

After being stalled for over 10 months, the bill was reviewed by the Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) and passed this week, paving the way for its final approval in parliament a day later.

The amendment, however, underwent key revisions before it was passed. 

The original draft called for banning all Israeli passport holders, including those with dual citizenship. 

The final version restricts only those traveling on Israeli passports from entering the Maldives. 

This adjustment came after Maldives Immigration officials told the committee that broader restrictions would be unenforceable under current immigration systems.

This means individuals with dual citizenship can still enter the Maldives using passports from other countries. 

Despite voicing concerns about this limitation, the MDP ultimately voted in favor of the bill.

Decision formalizes a policy direction already taken by the Maldivian cabinet, which had earlier announced its intent to bar Israeli nationals from entering the country. 

The government has also maintained strong public and diplomatic opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, where more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed.

The Maldives has consistently called on the international community to halt genocide in Palestine and hold Israel accountable for violations of international law.