The Maldives has formally enacted a travel ban on Israeli citizens, joining a widening group of countries including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iraq, and others that have blacklisted Israel in protest against its ongoing military operations in Gaza. This significant foreign policy shift marks the latest expression of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, as public outrage continues to mount across the Islamic world over what many governments are calling crimes against humanity committed by Israel.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act, which now prohibits Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The legislation, previously passed by the People’s Majlis—the nation’s parliament—was introduced amid growing calls within the Maldives for decisive action in response to Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The government has cited what it describes as “continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people” as the primary reason behind this bold step.
The travel ban is comprehensive in scope, applying to all individuals who hold Israeli passports. However, there is a provision for individuals with dual nationality; those who possess another passport from a different country and do not use their Israeli travel documents will still be eligible to enter the Maldives. This clause provides limited flexibility while upholding the central aim of the ban—sending a political message of condemnation against Israel.
This is not the first time the Maldives has severed or altered diplomatic and travel ties with Israel. The country had previously suspended relations with Israel in 1974, and although there were minor diplomatic engagements in the 1990s and early 2000s, formal relations were never fully restored. The newly ratified amendment reaffirms the Maldives’ position and distances it further from any formal bilateral interaction with the Israeli state.
The decision has drawn global attention and underscores a broader pattern across Muslim-majority countries, many of which have taken diplomatic or economic actions in recent months to express disapproval of Israel’s operations in Gaza. Several of these nations have halted trade agreements, canceled diplomatic meetings, or imposed travel and entry restrictions similar to those enacted by the Maldives.
In a statement issued shortly after signing the amendment, President Muizzu emphasized the country’s commitment to standing with the Palestinian people during what he termed a “humanitarian catastrophe.” The government also announced plans to strengthen aid to Gaza and continue participating in international forums advocating for Palestinian rights.
Public sentiment in the Maldives has long been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, with protests, civil society campaigns, and religious leaders frequently calling for government action. The travel ban is widely seen within the country as a necessary and morally driven response to what many perceive as an international failure to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.
As the geopolitical fallout from the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to ripple across regions, the Maldives’ decision adds to the growing list of countries taking hardline stances. Whether this will lead to increased diplomatic isolation of Israel or provoke international debates on freedom of movement and human rights remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—the Maldives has chosen to align itself firmly with the bloc of nations demanding accountability and justice for Palestinians.
