On April 15, 2025, the Maldives, a tropical paradise known for its turquoise lagoons and luxury resorts, announced a ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country, citing “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, the legislation reflects growing anti-Israel sentiment in the Muslim-majority nation and aligns the Maldives with regional countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. This article explores the ban’s background, implementation, implications for tourism and diplomacy, and the broader geopolitical context, drawing on recent developments and public sentiment.
In This Article:
Background of the Ban
The Maldives, a Sunni Muslim nation of 1,192 coral islets, has a history of fluctuating relations with Israel. Diplomatic ties, established in 1965, were suspended in 1974, and a previous ban on Israeli tourists was lifted in the 1990s. Efforts to restore relations in 2010 faltered by 2014, and since the Gaza war’s escalation following Hamas’s October 2023 attack, public anger has intensified. The Maldives, which welcomed nearly 11,000 Israeli tourists in 2023 (0.6% of total arrivals), saw only 528 Israelis in early 2024, reflecting a sharp decline amid rising tensions.
In June 2024, President Muizzu’s cabinet initially resolved to ban Israeli passport holders, prompted by opposition lawmaker Meekail Ahmed Naseem’s bill to amend the Immigration Act. The move stalled due to concerns over inadvertently barring Arab-Israelis and Palestinians with Israeli passports, estimated at around 2 million. After months of debate, the People’s Majlis passed the Third Amendment to the Immigration Act on April 15, 2025, which Muizzu ratified immediately, enforcing the ban with no exemptions for dual citizens.
Details of the Legislation
The ban, effective immediately, prohibits all Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives’ 1,192 islets, a decision Muizzu’s office framed as a response to “continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide” by Israel in Gaza. The government reaffirmed its support for a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law. The legislation also applies to dual citizens, a point clarified after earlier debates about Palestinian Israelis.
The move follows sustained pressure from opposition parties, government allies, and public protests, including a November 2023 demonstration outside parliament and a June 2024 beach sign demanding the ban. Muizzu also launched a “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine” fundraising campaign, raising nearly $650,000 in 2024, underscoring the nation’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Implications for Tourism and Economy
Tourism, the backbone of the Maldives’ economy, accounted for 729,932 visitors by April 14, 2025, with China (11%) and India (5%) among the top markets. Israeli tourists, though a small fraction, were valued for their spending, particularly among surfers. In February 2025, only 59 Israelis visited among 214,000 arrivals, suggesting the ban’s economic impact may be minimal. However, tourism associations warned in 2024 that a blanket ban could damage the Maldives’ image as a welcoming destination, potentially deterring other markets.
Critics, including the Maldives Association of Travel Agents, advocated a “nuanced approach” targeting Israeli officials rather than all citizens, citing risks to the nation’s financial ratings. Despite these concerns, the government prioritized its political stance, aligning with public sentiment in a 100% Sunni Muslim nation.
Diplomatic and Geopolitical Ramifications
The ban places the Maldives among a small group of countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, barring Israeli passport holders, amplifying its stance on the global stage. Israel, which rejects genocide accusations, issued a travel warning in December 2023, urging citizens to avoid the Maldives due to anti-Israel sentiment. The ban has drawn criticism, with Jerusalem’s deputy mayor, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, accusing the Maldives of intolerance toward minorities, and U.S. lawmakers proposing the PATH Act to tie aid to reversing the ban.
Posts on X reflect polarized views: some praise the Maldives’ solidarity with Palestine, while others, like @sxdoc, condemn it as support for Hamas, urging tourists to boycott the islands. The ban also risks straining ties with India, a key ally, amid India’s balanced stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Challenges and Criticisms
The ban’s implementation faced hurdles, notably concerns about excluding Arab-Israelis, which led to a six-month delay. Maldivian lawmaker Qasim Ibrahim criticized the initial bill for potentially targeting Jewish Israelis, urging careful consideration. The final legislation’s broad scope has sparked debate about its alignment with the Maldives’ inclusive tourism brand, with some arguing it fuels perceptions of religious extremism.
The Maldives’ ban on Israeli tourists, effective April 15, 2025, underscores its unwavering support for Palestine amid the Gaza war, joining a regional chorus of protest against Israel’s actions. While the economic impact may be limited, the decision carries significant diplomatic weight, risking tensions with Israel and its allies. As the Maldives navigates its role as a global tourism hub and a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, the ban reflects a delicate balance between ideology and pragmatism, shaping its international identity in a polarized world.
-By Manoj H
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