Maldives Moves to Permanently Ban Israelis, Citing Gaza War
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The Maldives plans to permanently ban Israelis from entering the country, regardless of the situation in Gaza, according to President Mohamed Muizzu. The government also seeks to block Israeli investment in local real estate. This move is a response to the Gaza war, with the president accusing Israel of genocide. The ban, initially set for April 2025, is intended to be enshrined in law, and current entry rules remain in place as the legislation progresses through parliament.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu announced plans for a permanent ban on Israeli passport holders.
- The proposed legislation aims to block Israeli citizens and companies from investing in Maldivian real estate.
- The ban is a response to the Gaza war, with the president accusing Israel of genocide.
- The current entry ban for Israelis is set to take effect in April 2025.
- Dual nationals' entry status remains unclear under the proposed new laws.
- The Israeli Foreign Ministry advises its citizens to avoid travel to the Maldives.
The Maldives intends to permanently close its borders to Israeli passport holders, irrespective of developments in Gaza. President Mohamed Muizzu announced Monday a new legislative initiative to make the entry ban, already in effect since April 2025, permanent and unconditional. Concurrently, his administration aims to prevent Israeli citizens and companies linked to Israel from investing in local real estate, even if they hold dual nationality. Muizzu stated at a press conference that the current ban, initially a reaction to the Gaza war, must now be permanently enshrined in law, removing any possibility of automatic lifting of restrictions. He justified the decision by accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, an accusation Israel rejects.
The status of Israelis with dual nationality remains uncertain. The current ban targets Israeli passport holders, theoretically allowing dual citizens to enter with a foreign passport. Muizzu acknowledged this possibility might persist, but the authorities have not yet clarified if the new legislation will end it. However, the government intends to prevent circumvention of real estate investment restrictions through thorough checks of buyers' identities and backgrounds. This initiative specifically targets property rights in tourist and residential projects, including the large Ras Malé complex developed by UAE firm Eagle Hills. Transactions violating the future law would be void.
The Maldives first announced its intention to ban Israelis in June 2024, implementing the measure in April 2025. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises its citizens, including dual nationals, to avoid travel to the archipelago, warning of potential difficulties in providing assistance. Both proposed bills have only passed their first reading in Parliament, meaning current entry rules remain unchanged.
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