Israeli passport holders are now barred from entering the Maldives due to the country’s stance on the Gaza conflict. This ban was approved by parliament and implemented by President Mohamed Muizzu through an amendment to the immigration law, preventing those with Israeli passports from visiting the Maldives.
The Maldivian government justifies its decision as a resolute response to what it perceives as ongoing genocide by Israel on Palestinians. President Muizzu’s office stated, “The ratification shows the government’s firm stance against Israel’s atrocities and acts of genocide towards the Palestinian people.”
Israel consistently denies genocide allegations, citing self-defence rights under international law. The recent conflict started with a cross-border Hamas attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023. Requests for comments on Maldives’s ban to the Israeli foreign ministry and Colombo’s consular office remain unanswered.
Tourism is crucial for the Maldivian economy, making up about 21% of its GDP. In 2024, it brought in $5.6 billion. Despite global uncertainties, tourism is projected to generate around $5 billion this year. The impact of the ban on Israeli passport holders on future numbers remains uncertain.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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