MALDIVES BANS VISAS FOR ISRAELI PASSPORT HOLDERS
President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Indian Ocean archipelago nation has implemented “a ban on Israeli passports”.
A statement released by a spokesperson for the President didn’t give any details regarding a date of when the new law will take effect.
The Muslim nation has been vocal in its support for Palestine over the war in Gaza.
In 2023, almost 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives. During the first four months of 2024, the number of Israeli tourists has dropped to 528. It’s an 88% drop compared to the same time last year.
This isn’t the first time that the Maldives have banned Israeli tourists. In the early 1990s, a ban was put in place and only lifted in 2010. The previous ban was implemented by the island nation’s previous president Mohamed Nasheed.
When the announcement regarding the ban was made, Israel’s foreign ministry spokesman urged Israeli citizens currently in the Maldives to depart.
“For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it’s recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help.”
Other countries where Israeli visitors are banned include Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.
Image credit: Sky News