The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The president’s office announced the ban on Wednesday. They accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war. Israel has repeatedly denied this allegation.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the country’s immigration law. Parliament passed the amendment on Tuesday, according to a statement from his office.
The statement added that the amendment introduces a new provision to the Immigration Act. This provision expressly prohibits visitors with Israeli passports from entering the Maldives.
“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 statement said.
The Israeli foreign ministry and the country’s consular office in Colombo did not respond to requests for comment.
Israel has consistently rejected any accusation of genocide. They say they have respected international law. They also say they have a right to defend themselves after the cross-border Hamas attack from Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. This attack prompted the war.
South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the U.N.’s International Court of Justice. Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a report last December. Israel has denied these charges.
Maldives’ Muizzu initially made the call to ban Israeli passport holders in June 2024. This followed a cabinet recommendation. The Israeli foreign ministry then recommended that its citizens avoid the archipelago. The archipelago is famous for its pristine beaches and plush resorts.
Tourism is a major driver of the Maldives economy. It accounts for about 21% of its GDP. The Maldives earned $5.6 billion in 2024. The island nation is expecting earnings of about $5 billion this year.
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