Maldives bans Israeli passport holders, citing ‘genocide’ in Gaza

The Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, in a direct response to what it calls “ongoing acts of genocide” committed by Israel in its war on Gaza. The move, announced by President Mohamed Muizzu’s office on Wednesday, follows the ratification of an amendment to the island nation’s immigration law.

“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 president’s office stated, after parliament passed the amendment on Tuesday.

The new provision added to the Maldives’ Immigration Act expressly prohibits the entry of anyone holding an Israeli passport. President Muizzu first called for the ban in June 2024, following a cabinet recommendation. That proposal had already prompted Israel’s foreign ministry to warn its citizens against traveling to the Maldives — a country globally recognized for its luxurious resorts and crystal-clear beaches.

Tourism is a pillar of the Maldivian economy, contributing around 21% of the country’s GDP and generating $5.6 billion in 2024. Despite the diplomatic fallout, the island nation projects tourism earnings of roughly $5 billion this year.

Israel’s foreign ministry and its consular office in Colombo have not commented on the decision. Israel has consistently denied any accusations of genocide, asserting that its military operations are in line with international law and justified as self-defense following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 cross-border assault from Gaza.

The genocide allegation remains a focal point of international legal and human rights discussions. South Africa has filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and Amnesty International also accused Israel of genocide in a December 2023 report — charges that Israel has firmly rejected.