The Maldives has passed a law banning Israeli nationals from entering the country, signaling a shift in foreign policy. This decision has sparked discussions about potential international repercussions, including sanctions.
The Indian Ocean archipelago’s ban is a show of support for the besieged population of Gaza, who are enduring continuous attacks and widespread hunger.
The Maldives remains a top-tier travel destination, though it ranks as the fourth most expensive country to visit, with an average daily spend of £214. New resorts, like the dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, are opening with innovative all-inclusive concepts to attract tourists
Economically, the Maldives faces challenges, with reports indicating high debt and the need for urgent financial aid from China, Gulf nations, and regional partners, especially with a $1 billion repayment looming in 2026. Discussions about using local currencies for trade suggest efforts to ease economic pressures.
The Maldives lifted a previous ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and moved to restore relations in 2010. However, normalisation attempts were scuttled following the toppling of President Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012.
In response to the ban, an Israel foreign ministry spokesman urged citizens currently in the Maldives to depart. “For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help.”
Israeli passport holders have also not been allowed to enter Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.
Cultural, Social, and Human Rights Dynamics
Culturally, there are reports of KFC and Pizza Hut outlets closing in some areas, potentially indicating economic or cultural shifts, which may reflect changing consumer preferences or economic pressures . On the social front, human rights issues remain a concern, with civil society organizations, including the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN), facing de-registration and intimidation from Islamist extremist groups.
The Maldives civil court upheld a decision to deregister MDN, a move seen as politically motivated to appease powerful Islamist groups, which have long threatened and incited violence against such organizations (Human Rights Watch).
This closing of civic space, as highlighted by the UN special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, raises concerns about impunity for abuses, including enforced disappearances, affecting social dynamics.
