Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced a legislative push on Monday to permanently ban Israeli passport holders from entering the archipelago, moving to cement restrictions that first took effect in April 2025.
Permanent Legislative Ban
President Muizzu revealed the new legislative initiative during a press conference. The proposed law makes the entry ban permanent and inconditional, removing any automatic lifting mechanism should geopolitical conditions change.
Muizzu justified the decision by accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. Israel has consistently rejected this accusation.
The Maldives originally announced its intention to bar Israeli travelers in June 2024 before implementing the policy in April 2025. Parliament has given the new bills their first reading, leaving entry rules unchanged for now.
Real Estate Restrictions
Alongside the travel restrictions, the government wants to block Israeli citizens and affiliated companies from buying local real estate. This prohibition applies even to individuals holding dual citizenship.
Authorities plan to use thorough identity and background checks to prevent any loopholes. Transactions completed in violation of the future law will be declared null and void.
Opposition officials raised concerns about Israeli investors acquiring property in large tourism developments. These include the Ras Malé project, a massive residential and resort complex backed by the Emirati firm Eagle Hills.
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Announcement | June 2024 | Maldives states intention to ban Israeli travelers. |
| Policy Implementation | April 2025 | Entry ban takes practical effect for passport holders. |
Unresolved Dual Nationality Questions
The status of dual-national Israelis remains unclear under the pending legislation. Current rules target Israeli passport holders directly, meaning binationals can enter using a second passport.
Muizzu acknowledged that this loophole might persist, though officials have not finalized whether the new bill will close it entirely. The Israeli Foreign Ministry continues to advise its citizens, including dual nationals, against traveling to the archipelago due to potential difficulties in receiving consular assistance.
