Maldives Moves To Enact Unconditional Entry Ban On Israeli Passport Holders

ISTANBUL, Nov 12 – Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s ban on Israeli passport holders, declaring that they will be prohibited from entering the island nation under any circumstances.

Speaking at a news conference at the President’s Office in Malé on Monday, November 9, 2026, Muizzu stated that newly proposed immigration legislation will establish a permanent, unconditional entry ban on Israeli passport holders regardless of changing geopolitical developments.

Muizzu noted that while earlier legislative proposals aimed to restrict entry until Israel halted its military campaign against Palestinians that began in October 2023, the updated bill removes any conditional timeframe.

Describing Israel’s actions against Palestinians as genocide, the president asserted that permitting Israeli passport holders into the Maldives remains completely unacceptable. He reiterated the Indian Ocean nation’s steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that his government has consistently defended this stance across international forums and legal channels.

Background and Proposed Property Restrictions

The Maldives initially enacted an entry ban on Israeli passport holders in April 2025 after Muizzu ratified parliamentary amendments to the Immigration Act. Unlike the 2025 restrictions, which were tied directly to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, the newly tabled legislation makes the prohibition permanent.

In parallel legislative measures to close dual-citizenship entry loopholes, the Muizzu administration has also submitted a real estate bill barring Israeli citizens and Israeli-owned entities from acquiring leasehold property rights in designated development zones, even if they enter the country using a second nationality passport.

The Maldives continues to advocate for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

Policy Directives, Legislative Shifts, and Diplomatic Stance

Key legislative amendments, diplomatic positions, and policy updates include:

• Head of State: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
• Legislative Update: Proposed Immigration Bill replaces conditional restrictions (April 2025) with a permanent, unconditional entry ban on Israeli passport holders.
• Complementary Real Estate Bill: Separate proposed legislation prohibits Israeli citizens (including dual nationals) and Israeli entities from acquiring leasehold property in designated zones.
• Diplomatic Position: Unwavering support for a sovereign Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

–NMT