Maldives Sees No Negative Impact on Tourism from Israeli Passport Ban, Says Minister
Tourists arriving at Velana International Airport | Photo: MV+
The Maldivian tourism industry has not experienced any negative repercussions following the recent ban on Israeli passport holders, according to Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim.
During a press conference held yesterday at the President’s Office, the minister said there had been no international campaigns targeting the Maldives in response to the ban. He added that the government remains attentive to developments and continues to monitor the situation closely.
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The ban was formalised following the ratification of an amendment to the Immigration Act by the President on 15 April. The legislation, passed by Parliament earlier this month, prohibits individuals from entering the Maldives using Israeli passports. The government stated that the amendment was introduced in response to what it described as inhumane actions and acts of genocide committed by Israel against Palestinians.
Thoriq said the government remains in regular contact with diplomatic missions both in the Maldives and abroad to explain the reasoning behind the decision.
Tourist arrivals from Israel had already seen a notable decline ahead of the official implementation of the ban. While around 10,000 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives in 2023, the number dropped to approximately 1,400 last year amid growing calls for a ban.
