The Maldives, a tropical paradise known for its luxury resorts and turquoise waters, has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, a decision that went into effect today, April 15, 2025, to show “resolute solidarity” with Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza. President Mohamed Muizzu’s government framed the move as a protest against the conflict, which has fueled public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation. The ban, first proposed last June, has sparked a mix of cheers, criticism, and economic worries, with the world watching to see how it plays out for the tourism-dependent archipelago.
A Protest Born From Frustration
The decision stems from mounting frustration in the Maldives over the Gaza situation. Muizzu’s office announced the ban would kick in immediately, following months of pressure from opposition parties and local activists. Last year, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives—about 0.6% of total tourists—but numbers dropped sharply to just 59 in February 2025, reflecting tensions even before the ban. Alongside the entry restriction, Muizzu launched a fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine” and appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs, doubling down on the country’s stance.
Supporters Applaud the Bold Stance
Supporters see it as a bold stand for justice. Many Maldivians, who’ve rallied outside parliament and boycotted brands linked to Israel, view the ban as a way to back Palestinians facing hardship. Online, some are praising the move as a rare act of principle, with one user calling it “a small nation punching above its weight for what’s right.” The Maldives isn’t alone—countries like Algeria, Iran, and Yemen also bar Israeli citizens—but this marks a fresh escalation, especially since the Maldives had allowed Israeli tourists since lifting a ban in the 1990s.
Critics Warn of Economic and Political Fallout
Critics, though, are sounding alarms. Israel’s Foreign Ministry urged its citizens to avoid the Maldives, even with dual passports, and advised those there to leave, citing risks if they face trouble. Some argue the ban’s unfair, potentially lumping all Israelis together regardless of their views on the war. Others, including local tourism groups, worry about the economic hit. The Maldives relies on tourism for over a third of its GDP, and while Israelis are a tiny fraction of visitors, the ban could scare off other markets or invite backlash—like a U.S. congressman’s push last year to cut aid over the proposal. There’s also the sticky issue of dual citizens, especially the 1.5 million Arab Israelis who hold Israeli passports, which briefly paused the plan when lawmakers realized it might block Palestinians too.
A Debate Beyond Borders
The debate’s not just about tourism—it’s about bigger questions of fairness and impact. Some Maldivians, like a lawmaker who suggested targeting only Israeli officials instead, worry a blanket ban risks looking like prejudice. Others say it’s symbolic, a way to pressure Israel without military or economic clout. But with the Gaza conflict showing no end, the ban’s real effect might be limited—Israel’s economy won’t buckle over fewer beach vacations, and the Maldives’ own finances could take a bigger hit if perceptions shift.
What Comes Next?
For now, the Maldives is standing firm, joining a handful of nations taking tangible steps against Israel’s policies. Whether it’s a heartfelt gesture or a risky gamble, it’s got people talking—about solidarity, consequences, and what it means to take a side in a conflict half a world away. As the ban settles in, all eyes are on how it’ll shape the Maldives’ place on the global stage.