The Maldives has ratified amendments to its Immigration Act, banning entry for holders of Israeli passports until Israel halts its attacks on Palestine.
This decision, enacted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, underscores the nation’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause and responds to mounting domestic and international pressure.
The amendment, published in the Government Gazette, follows a cabinet decision on June 2, 2024, to restrict Israeli passport holders.
Initially proposed by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentarian Meekail Ahmed Naseem on May 29, 2024, the original bill sought a comprehensive ban, including those with dual citizenship.
However, the Security Services Committee, after deliberations, revised the legislation, limiting the ban to Israeli passport holders and removing the dual citizenship clause due to enforcement challenges, as noted by Maldives Immigration.
The revised bill stipulates that the ban will remain in place “until Israel stops the inhumane attacks it launched on Palestinian people on October 7, 2023.”
Despite criticism from Naseem, who argued that the amendments dilute the bill’s intent and “make a mockery of the plight of Palestinians,” the legislation passed unanimously with 83 votes in Parliament.
The decision aligns with the Maldives’ vocal advocacy for Palestinian rights on international platforms.
The President’s Office emphasized the nation’s commitment to “accountability for violations of international law” and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to reports.
The conflict has displaced millions and caused widespread devastation, fueling global outrage.
Critics, including Naseem, highlighted the removal of the dual citizenship clause, noting that many Israelis, including government officials, hold secondary passports, potentially undermining the ban’s effectiveness.
He also questioned the vague phrasing around “inhumane attacks,” asking who determines when such actions cease.
The Maldives, a luxury tourism destination, saw only 59 Israeli visitors in February among 214,000 foreign arrivals, indicating minimal economic impact.
The ban reflects growing public sentiment in the Islamic republic, with protests in Malé demanding action against Israel’s Gaza operations.
As the Maldives reaffirms its stance, the move signals a broader geopolitical alignment with nations advocating for Palestinian rights.