Maldives moves to make Israel passport ban permanent

The Maldivian government has proposed amendments to the Immigration Act in order to make its current ban on entries on Israeli passports permanent in protest of the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

The Maldives had written in amendments to the Immigration Act on April 15, 2025, implementing a ban on entries on Israeli passports “until Israel stops the inhumane attacks it launched on Palestinian people on October 7, 2023.”

At a press briefing on Monday morning, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that a new amendment, sponsored by North Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Daud, seeks to make the ban permanent.

“Therefore, we are stating it clearly in the law, that no one holding an Israeli passport holder can enter the Maldives. And this is not linked to a specific event. We, the Maldivian people, find the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people unacceptable,” he said.

President Muizzu said that he seeks to ensure no Israeli citizen is allowed to cross Maldives’ borders.

He said that the new bill clearly states that entries on Israeli passports are banned.

However, many Israelis have dual citizenship, meaning they can enter using their other passport, as Immigration cannot verify dual citizenship at the border.

When questioned by Sun regarding this, President Muizzu acknowledged the loophole, but said that the new real estate bill proposed by the government will help close this loophole.

The bill in questions bans Israeli nationals or Israeli-controlled entities from buying or investing in real estate development such as the planned Rasmale’ project.

“The issue of dual passports is not something unique to the Maldives. People are able to enter all countries based on common immigration standards. But the real estate bill declares it specifically, that there’s no chance for an Israeli citizen or Israeli entity. This can be done,” he said.

“Even if one enters the Maldives on a dual passport, investing is subject to more formalities.”

On September 21, Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement or letter of intent for a mega project to develop a new integrated island destination in Rasmale’, including international hotels and resorts, premium and branded residences, a world-class marina, waterfront promenades, restaurants, shops, leisure and wellness centers.

However, the project sparked fears that Rasmale’ could become a foothold for Zionist settlement – fears that the government says are unfounded.