It has been widely reported that the government of the Maldives will begin refusing entry to all Israeli passport holders.
Ali Ihsaan, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology to the Maldives, announced the decision on Sunday afternoon. The cabinet will amend the necessary laws and establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.
The Maldives’ decision is said to be in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, has said that a fundraising campaign will be set up to assist people in Palestine.
CNN reported that the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the ban by recommending that Israelis avoid travel to the area.
“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,” said the Ministry.
According to Al Jazeera, 11 000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, 0,6% of the archipelago’s total tourist arrivals.
