Tue Apr 15 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Maldives Bans Israeli Tourists in Solidarity with Palestine

**Male, Maldives –** The Maldives has banned Israeli tourists, effective immediately, in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act on April 15th, formalizing the ban. The government cited Israel’s actions against Palestinians as the reason for the decision, stating it reaffirms their commitment to protecting Palestinian rights and holding Israel accountable for violations of international law.

While Israel is not a major tourism source for the Maldives, the ban makes the island nation one of several in South Asia to restrict Israeli entry, joining Bangladesh and Pakistan. This follows a recent reintroduction of the “except Israel” inscription in Bangladeshi passports. The ban comes amidst heightened global concern over the ongoing conflict, with reports of over 50,000 Palestinian lives lost in the last 18 months.

Despite the ban, tourism remains a significant part of the Maldivian economy. The country welcomed 729,932 tourists up to April 14th, with China being the top source market and India at sixth place. The impact of the Israeli tourist ban on the Maldivian economy is yet to be determined. The situation in Sri Lanka, where a similar concern over the presence of Israeli tourists has been raised, is also being closely watched.

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