Maldives government has proposed new legislation that would make its existing ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country permanent and unconditional.
President Mohamed Muizzu said the changes would mean anyone travelling with an Israeli passport would not be allowed to enter the island nation “no matter what happens in Israel and Palestine”.
Muizzu made the announcement at a press conference held in the President’s Office on 9 November 2026. He said that earlier restrictions were tied to Israel’s military actions against Palestinians after October 7, 2023 but new proposed legislation does not include that condition and wants an indefinite restriction.
The government has submitted amendments to the Immigration Act to People’s Majlis, Maldives parliament. If approved it will make Israeli passports unconditional entry bans official.
Existing Ban on Israeli Passport Holders
The Maldives had already imposed restrictions on Israeli passport holders in April 2025. The earlier amendment banned them from entering the country until Israel stopped its military operations against Palestinians (as stated in the legislation).
The latest proposal removes the conditional nature of that restriction. If those changes were made, the entry ban would still apply even if things changed in Gaza or in the political situation after that.
President Muizzu said the decision was in line with Maldives’ position on the Palestinian issue and added that his government had repeatedly raised concerns about Israel’s actions against Palestinians through international forums as well as legal channels.
What About Israelis With Dual Nationality
The proposed restrictions have also raised questions about Israeli citizens who hold passports from other countries.
Under the existing immigration regime Israeli dual nationals might be able to enter the Maldives with a different passport because immigration authorities cannot always tell whether someone has Israeli citizenship when they show another country’s passport.
President Muizzu acknowledged this and said that separate measures would be taken to deal with concerns of Israeli citizens who enter using another nationality.
Separate Bill Targets Israeli Property Investments
Besides the proposed immigration amendment, the Maldivian government has introduced separate legislation regarding real estate investments as well.
The proposed measure would prohibit Israelis and companies owned by Israelis from buying property or investing in real estate development projects in the Maldives.
President Muizzu said that even if an Israeli citizen manages to enter the country using another passport restrictions on property investment would still apply. The government will introduce screening procedures to identify buyers and businesses affected by proposed rules.
The measures are also related to wider debates around major property development projects in the country such as the Rasmalé development.
What Happens Next
The immigration amendment and the separate real estate legislation will have to go through parliament before they become law. Until that happens, the restrictions on Israeli passport holders continue.
It shows the Maldives government’s political and diplomatic stance on Israel-Palestine conflict. It could also have an impact on international travel and tourism Israelis who previously thought of the Maldives as a holiday destination may now not do so.
The final effect will depend on the legislation passed by parliament and how immigration and investment authorities implement the proposed measures.
Comments