Maldives Moves to Ban Israelis Permanently and Restrict Real Estate Investment

In depth

The Maldivian government is advancing groundbreaking legislation that would permanently and unconditionally ban the entry of holders of Israeli passports into the island nation. The bill follows a ban that took effect in April.

In parallel, the government is advancing restrictions on real estate investments by Israelis, including those with dual citizenship. Under the proposal, the restriction would be enforced through strict background checks, including on holders of foreign passports, regardless of developments in the war in Gaza.

The tightening comes against the backdrop of a deterioration in relations between Israel and the Maldives since October 7 and the war in Gaza. The country's president presented two bills, one of which entrenches the entry ban permanently, regardless of the end of the war.