What's happened
On April 15, 2025, the Maldives ratified a law banning entry for Israeli passport holders, reflecting the government's condemnation of Israel's actions against Palestinians. This decision follows a year of deliberation and comes amid rising domestic pressure for a stronger stance on the conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- The Maldives' decision to ban Israeli passport holders is a significant shift in its foreign policy, reflecting a growing alignment with Palestinian advocacy.
- This move is likely to impact tourism, as Israeli visitors previously constituted a notable portion of arrivals, with over 11,000 visiting in 2023.
- The government's actions may be influenced by domestic political pressures, as opposition parties and allies have pushed for a more assertive stance against Israel.
- The ban could lead to increased tensions between the Maldives and Israel, especially as Israel's Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid travel to the Maldives.
- The Maldives' leadership is also planning humanitarian initiatives for Palestine, indicating a broader commitment to the Palestinian cause.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that the amendment was approved by President Mohamed Muizzu and reflects the government's firm stance against Israel's actions. AP News echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision was formalized after nearly a year of deliberation. The NY Post highlighted the potential impact on tourism, stating that arrivals from Israel had already dropped sharply. The New Arab emphasized the immediate implementation of the ban and the government's commitment to solidarity with Palestine, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
How we got here
The Maldives, a predominantly Muslim nation, previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the 1990s. The recent amendment to the Immigration Act was formalized after nearly a year of Cabinet discussions, driven by increasing calls for solidarity with Palestine amid ongoing violence in Gaza.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for tourism in the Maldives?
- How has Israel responded to this ban?
- What led to the Maldives' change in policy regarding Israeli visitors?
Common question
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Why Did the Maldives Ban Israeli Tourists?
On April 15, 2025, the Maldives implemented a significant travel restriction by banning entry for Israeli passport holders. This decision has raised numerous questions about its implications for tourism, international relations, and what travelers should know before visiting the Maldives. Below, we explore the reasons behind this ban and its potential impact.
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Recent political decisions, such as the Maldives' ban on Israeli tourists, Tesla's halt in China, and the CFPB ruling on credit card fees, have sparked significant global reactions. Understanding these events can shed light on current geopolitical tensions and their implications for international relations and trade.
More on these topics
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Mohamed Muizzu is a Maldivian politician who is currently serving as president of the Maldives since 17 November 2023. He was selected for his party's nomination after former president Abdulla Yameen was jailed for serious corruption charges.
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The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is a small island nation in South Asia, situated in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 700 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland. The chain of 26
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.