Nearly a year after President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration pledged to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives
On May 29, 2024, South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem of the MDP submitted a clear and firm amendment to the Immigration Act, seeking to ban all Israeli passport holders, including those with dual citizenship. His intent was to send a strong message of solidarity with the Palestinian people amid Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza.
Yet, after President Muizzu’s cabinet publicly supported the ban on June 2, 2024, the bill was stalled for over 300 days in the Security Committee. It resurfaced only now—rushed through with major amendments that contradict its original purpose.
The revised bill bans only those holding Israeli passports, and only “until Israel stops the inhumane attacks launched on October 7, 2023.” Even more troubling, the clause banning dual citizens has been removed—effectively opening the door for Israeli officials and military leaders to enter the Maldives on secondary passports.
MP Meekail was right to call it out. During the debate, he condemned the government for bowing to pressure and accused them of distorting the bill beyond recognition. “This is the complete antithesis of my objective,” he said. “It makes a mockery of the plight of Palestinians.”
The excuse? Maldives Immigration claimed they cannot determine dual citizenship status based on a single passport. But this feels more like a convenient cover than a real legal constraint.
