Maldives bans Israeli passport holders over war on Gaza

[Cricket Warrior]

The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for white sand beaches and luxury resorts as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu has “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports”, a spokesman for his office said in a statement, without giving details of when the new law would take effect.

Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, which was 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals.

Official data also shows the number of Israelis visiting the Maldives dropped to 528 in the first four months of this year, down 88 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

The Maldives lifted a previous ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and moved to restore relations in 2010. However, normalisation attempts were scuttled following the toppling of President Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012.

In response to the ban, an Israel foreign ministry spokesman urged citizens currently in the Maldives to depart. “For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help.”

Israeli passport holders have also not been allowed to enter Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.

In a post on X in March, the State of Israel said: “We’re good,” in response to a post about these countries’ entry bans, which had been in place prior to the onset of the ongoing war in Gaza.



Al Jazeera

 

[FearlessRoar]

Probably the only country, after Pakistan and Iran, to do so. I appreciate this action of the Maldives, and this is the result of an anti-Indian government in the centre now.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Welcome to Lakshadweep. Lot more serene and less chaotic than Maldives.

India should do everything to promote tourism in Lakshadweep. Locals will benefit from it.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Kudos to Maldives government for taking action against the apartheid regime. A good gesture by them

 

[Champ_Pal]

Welcome to Lakshadweep. Lot more serene and less chaotic than Maldives.

India should do everything to promote tourism in Lakshadweep. Locals will benefit from it.

Maldives loss will be Lakshadweep's gain.

I hope Maldives also bans US, UK and French citizens. They all support Israel. Do it Muizzo do it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Maldives loss will be Lakshadweep's gain.

I hope Maldives also bans US, UK and French citizens. They all support Israel. Do it Muizzo do it.

Looks nice but it’s not the Maldives & it’s India .

Israeli tourism isn’t going to turn India from 3rd world to 1st lol

 

[Champ_Pal]

Looks nice but it’s not the Maldives & it’s India .

Israeli tourism isn’t going to turn India from 3rd world to 1st lol

It will help local Maldivians improve their living standards.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Kudos to Maldives government for taking action against the apartheid regime. A good gesture by them

How is Israel Apartheid regime? Can you explain?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering its territory, the president's office said on Wednesday, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war, an allegation Israel has repeatedly denied.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the country's immigration law after it was passed by parliament on Tuesday, a statement from his office said.

The amendment introduces a new provision to the Immigration Act, expressly prohibiting the entry of visitors with Israeli passports into the Maldives, it added.

"The ratification reflects the Government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people," the statement said.

The Israeli foreign ministry and the country's consular office in Colombo did not respond to requests for comment.
Israel has consistently rejected any accusation of genocide, saying it has respected international law and has a right to defend itself after the cross-border Hamas attack from Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023 that prompted the war.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-bans-israeli-passport-holders-protest-against-gaza-war-2025-04-16/

 

[Farhan The Man]

Just what the paiistini needed.

A tourism ban. In time of war.

This muzzu guy isn't a bright one.

 

[sweep_shot]

Well done, Maldives.

 

[LordJames]

Just what the paiistini needed.

A tourism ban. In time of war.

This muzzu guy isn't a bright one.

Everyone will be held accountable according to their individual capacity. The reckoning for a world leader—who has the power to shape events—will not be the same as that of a fruit seller trying to survive on the roadside.

It’s tragic that the poison has seeped so deeply into your soul that even the death of innocent children—Muslim or otherwise—fails to move you.

Enjoy the fleeting days of this life while you can—but remember, you too will be held accountable for your words and actions.

 

[JaDed]

He couldn’t even manage “troubled” two months with India and came rushing to India why is he taking on Zionists?

 

[JaDed]

you too will be held accountable for your words and actions.

Accountable for word and actions, are you saying anyone that has killed an innocent in a war will be accountable?

So guessing all Kings Generals etc etc will be accountable?

 

[LordJames]

Accountable for word and actions, are you saying anyone that has killed an innocent in a war will be accountable?

So guessing all Kings Generals etc etc will be accountable?

Yes

 

[JaDed]

Yes

After life must only be hell then considering Humans for majority have been generals and kings and in armies.

 

[LordJames]

After life must only be hell then considering Humans for majority have been generals and kings and in armies.

I didn’t quite understand what you meant, but I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

[topspin]

May Allah (SWT) bless the Maldives and reward them for doing what would be considered to be unthinkable by nearly every other Muslim state.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He couldn’t even manage “troubled” two months with India and came rushing to India why is he taking on Zionists?

Did he go rushing to India?

You guys have said this a lot but I don't buy it. He kicked you out, you pretended to develop your own Islands, failed, and then taught Maldives a lesson by giving him money to develop Maldives for tourism further.

 

[sweep_shot]

Why do Indians care if a sovereign nation decides to do things their way?

Maldives can choose as they please.

 

[JaDed]

Did he go rushing to India?

You guys have said this a lot but I don't buy it. He kicked you out, you pretended to develop your own Islands, failed, and then taught Maldives a lesson by giving him money to develop Maldives for tourism further.

Not my words:

Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed said his country’s “safety, security and prosperity depend on good relations with India”. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Nasheed said the island region “cannot afford to have bad ties with India”. Nasheed spoke on the sidelines of the 2025 Raisina Dialogue,

Exclusive: Maldives can't afford to have bad ties with India, says ex-President Mohamed Nasheed

While speaking to Firstpost on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed said his country’s ‘safety, security and prosperity depend on good relations with India’

www.firstpost.com

 

[Mas-LFC]

Why do Indians care if a sovereign nation decides to do things their way?

Maldives can choose as they please.

Indians think they have the entitlement to treat others in south asia as their vassal state.

 

[sweep_shot]

Indians think they have the entitlement to treat others in south asia as their vassal state.

Yup. They try to do dadagiri everywhere.

It is why they are getting isolated in the region.

Anyway, awesome from Maldives. They are a gutsy nation.

 

[Major]

Their foreign policy, they can do whatever they want. Why are Indians hurt?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Some countries are doing what is right and there are some countries supporting this genocide. They should be ashamed of that support for this genocide. No way, I mean, there is no way anyone can try to justify Israeli act... NO Wayyyy

 

[Bhaijaan]

I respect Maldives for this decision because they’re saying no to tourism money because they’re not ok with what is going on. This is the way to go. No riote, no vandalism, just a firm economic boycott.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Did he go rushing to India?

You guys have said this a lot but I don't buy it. He kicked you out, you pretended to develop your own Islands, failed, and then taught Maldives a lesson by giving him money to develop Maldives for tourism further.

The developments will take time brother. Land has been bought already by some big hotel chains for beach vilas. Plans in place to have an international airport. Lakshwadeep is moving steadily.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Not my words:

Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed said his country’s “safety, security and prosperity depend on good relations with India”. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Nasheed said the island region “cannot afford to have bad ties with India”. Nasheed spoke on the sidelines of the 2025 Raisina Dialogue,

Exclusive: Maldives can't afford to have bad ties with India, says ex-President Mohamed Nasheed

While speaking to Firstpost on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed said his country’s ‘safety, security and prosperity depend on good relations with India’

www.firstpost.com

This is former President and not the guy who booted India.

 

[Rajdeep]

This was done previously as well, right?

Thread 'Maldives bans Israeli passport holders over war on Gaza'

Jun 3, 2024

The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for white sand beaches and luxury resorts as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu has “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports”, a spokesman for his office said in a statement, without giving details of when the new law would take effect.

Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, which was 0.6 percent of total tourist...

• Cricket Warrior
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Time Pass and Sports

Anyway, this is an extremist move. How can a country ban citizens of another country based on war? What is the fault of common citizens of Israel? Will they ban Russians too for Putins action?

Think this is more of a posturing than anything. It is more of a political card from president Muizzu rather than any real concern for Palestine.

 

[IMMY69]

This was done previously as well, right?

Thread 'Maldives bans Israeli passport holders over war on Gaza'

Jun 3, 2024

The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for white sand beaches and luxury resorts as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu has “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports”, a spokesman for his office said in a statement, without giving details of when the new law would take effect.

Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, which was 0.6 percent of total tourist...

• Cricket Warrior
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Time Pass and Sports

Anyway, this is an extremist move. How can a country ban citizens of another country based on war? What is the fault of common citizens of Israel? Will they ban Russians too for Putins action?

Think this is more of a posturing than anything. It is more of a political card from president Muizzu rather than any real concern for Palestine.

So true.. they should have just introduced a visiting visa and then denied them entry due to security reasons

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This was done previously as well, right?

Thread 'Maldives bans Israeli passport holders over war on Gaza'

Jun 3, 2024

The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for white sand beaches and luxury resorts as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu has “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports”, a spokesman for his office said in a statement, without giving details of when the new law would take effect.

Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, which was 0.6 percent of total tourist...

• Cricket Warrior
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Time Pass and Sports

Anyway, this is an extremist move. How can a country ban citizens of another country based on war? What is the fault of common citizens of Israel? Will they ban Russians too for Putins action?

Think this is more of a posturing than anything. It is more of a political card from president Muizzu rather than any real concern for Palestine.

It is minor posturing. If both of these countries had cricket teams then the Maldives would have refused bilateral tours, play only in world cups etc etc. However since this strong option wasn't available they had to go down this route.

 

[Farhan The Man]

Everyone will be held accountable according to their individual capacity. The reckoning for a world leader—who has the power to shape events—will not be the same as that of a fruit seller trying to survive on the roadside.

It’s tragic that the poison has seeped so deeply into your soul that even the death of innocent children—Muslim or otherwise—fails to move you.

Enjoy the fleeting days of this life while you can—but remember, you too will be held accountable for your words and actions.

So will you be. You are not a fruit seller on the way side either.

What have you actioned thus far? All we hear is regurgitated word salads. From the comfort of your western surroundings.

Always imploring others to carry your weight in this world. For once, do it yourself.

 

[Rajdeep]

So true.. they should have just introduced a visiting visa and then denied them entry due to security reasons

You must be a fun in parties.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Mashallaahhh.


So proud of Maldives, that will teach those evil Jews, this will come as a huge relief for the Palestinians, a much needed break

 

[Romali_rotti]

You must be a fun in parties.

IMMY is a good dude unlike a lot of peeps here


@IMMY69

 

[IMMY69]

You must be a fun in parties.

Parties? which party? Are you inviting me to one? Please do, I need to be invited to one first..

 

[Rajdeep]

Parties? which party? Are you inviting me to one? Please do, I need to be invited to one first..

Off topic but we should have Pakpassion gathering among posters. Imagine, @DeadlyVenom , you and I catching up. It will be such a fun. We can also include @Cpt. Rishwat .

 

[Aang_The_last_airbender]

Probably the only country, after Pakistan and Iran, to do so. I appreciate this action of the Maldives, and this is the result of an anti-Indian government in the centre now.

Maldives tourism is still recovering from its Anti-India stance they took for a short while. Since, their dissing of Modi, a lot of coverage on youtube and social media had started covering the Maldives in negative light, spotlighting the Islamic extremism that its tourism industry try to keep separate. This Israel ban will not help matters.

 

[IMMY69]

Off topic but we should have Pakpassion gathering among posters. Imagine, @DeadlyVenom , you and I catching up. It will be such a fun. We can also include @Cpt. Rishwat .

Sounds good, I'm always up for something like this.

However, and depending on who comes we will have to be careful in choosing the venue..
No Indian, Pakistani, Israeli, Palestinian restaurants...Add KFC, McDonalds and a few others on the list too

 

[Bhaijaan]

This was done previously as well, right?

Thread 'Maldives bans Israeli passport holders over war on Gaza'

Jun 3, 2024

The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for white sand beaches and luxury resorts as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu has “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports”, a spokesman for his office said in a statement, without giving details of when the new law would take effect.

Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, which was 0.6 percent of total tourist...

• Cricket Warrior
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Time Pass and Sports

Anyway, this is an extremist move. How can a country ban citizens of another country based on war? What is the fault of common citizens of Israel? Will they ban Russians too for Putins action?

Think this is more of a posturing than anything. It is more of a political card from president Muizzu rather than any real concern for Palestine.

Maldives is a sovereign nation and reserves the right of entry to tourists. If they feel deeply hurt and traumatized by everything going in Gaza and neighbouring places, they have every right to take a non violent stand.

Why would you be concerned.
Maldives isn't the only place to go. Besides how many time would one go to Maldives anyway. After a couple of times that place isn't worth going.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Off topic but we should have Pakpassion gathering among posters. Imagine, @DeadlyVenom , you and I catching up. It will be such a fun. We can also include @Cpt. Rishwat .

I am down for that meetup too. Would like to meet @DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @IMMY69 ....

I am looking forward to eating some great biriyani and drinking scotch during the meet.....

 

[Ball Blazer]

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I am down for that meetup too. Would like to meet @DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @IMMY69 ....

I am looking forward to eating some great biriyani and drinking scotch during the meet.....

I think you must have downed a few scotches already if you are planning a meet up when you live in Australia.

 

[JaDed]

This is former President and not the guy who booted India.

Yeah.. it says in the article too.. former.
The guy who strained relationship with India isn’t going to say such words but his actions speak otherwise..
I was talking about the entire sentiment..even from his own cabinet.. I’m still confused as to why you think current Prez came to India?

 

[JaDed]

So true.. they should have just introduced a visiting visa and then denied them entry due to security reasons

America does this lol

 

[globetrotter]

Begamy shaadi mein Abdullah diwana

 

[Bhaijaan]

One of our cities in the hills Kasol is full of ex Israeli army men and their girlfriends and all. Booze, weed, parties all day n night. It is often referred to as the mini Israel. Rishikesh, Goa, Kerala also get many Israeli tourists. No one has dared to touch them and our country has more Muslims than Pakistan and Bangladesh. So maybe @Bewal Express was right after all because there’s no way our Muslims from the lower class are any better than your lower class Muslims.