News Desk
The Maldivian government has submitted a new immigration bill to parliament that would introduce a blanket, unconditional ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference, Muizzu said the proposed legislation removes any conditions or temporary measures, explicitly closing the nation’s borders to anyone holding an Israeli passport. The move follows earlier, limited restrictions introduced in the wake of the October 7 escalation.
“We are stating very firmly and clearly in the law that no one carrying an Israeli passport can come to the Maldives, without linking it to any other circumstance,” Muizzu said. He added that the government considers Israel’s actions against Palestinians in Gaza to be completely unacceptable to the Maldivian public.
The legislation forms part of a wider package of four bills submitted to parliament today by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) supermajority, presented by North Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Daood. Alongside the immigration restrictions, the government also introduced a real estate bill designed to bar Israeli citizens and companies from purchasing property or investing in local real estate developments.
The real estate provisions have drawn attention following the government’s recent partnership with Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills on a $20 billion waterfront and marina project—the largest foreign investment in Maldivian history. Opposition figures and critics had previously raised concerns over potential ties between the developer and Israeli interests, prompting assurances from Housing Minister and administration officials that Israeli nationals would be legally barred from acquiring property in major developments such as Rasmalé.
Addressing reporters on how the ban would apply to individuals holding dual nationality, Muizzu maintained that standard international immigration protocols would apply, but stressed that the real estate framework contains explicit, airtight prohibitions preventing Israeli citizens and corporate entities from securing a foothold in local property markets.
The bill now moves to parliament for debate and committee review.
