Maldives Moves to Implement Permanent Entry Ban for Israeli Passport Holders

The Maldives government has proposed new legislation to make the existing entry ban on Israeli passport holders permanent and unconditional. The proposed law includes provisions to maintain the ban on Israeli passport holders without linking it to the Gaza war or any other circumstances. On Monday (November 9), Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced the development at a press conference. According to a statement from the President’s Office, the proposed immigration law imposes an unconditional entry ban on Israeli passport holders.

Mr. Muizzu stated that the previous law tied the entry ban to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and attacks on Palestinians. The new proposal seeks to remove that condition while retaining the restriction, ensuring it does not automatically lift even if the situation changes. The entry ban on Israeli passport holders in the Maldives has been in effect since April 15, 2025, following amendments to the country’s immigration law. The objective of the new proposal is to turn the ban into a permanent legal provision rather than making it dependent on specific circumstances.

However, the situation remains different for dual nationals entering the Maldives on passports from other countries. The proposed immigration law does not clearly specify provisions to block entry for such individuals completely. Meanwhile, the government also announced plans to introduce a separate bill aimed at preventing Israeli citizens and Israel-affiliated entities from purchasing property or investing in the country. The proposed law has not yet been passed and will come into effect after parliamentary approval and subsequent legal procedures.