- Constitutional amendment bans Israeli passport holders effective immediately
- Decision follows 11-month government review of Gaza conflict impacts
- Sunni Muslim nation records 60 Israeli tourist entries in early 2024
- New policy aligns with regional diplomatic shifts in South Asia
The Maldivian government has enacted one of the world's strictest travel prohibitions through parliamentary vote 82-15, permanently barring entry to Israeli citizens. President Muizzu's ratification accelerates existing tourism policies revised after Hamas' October 2023 offensive, positioning the archipelago as the first Asian nation to implement full entry restrictions tied to the Gaza conflict.
Industry analysts reveal the ban could affect 0.4% of Maldives' $6 billion tourism economy. While Israeli tourists represented minimal arrivals, the symbolic policy coincides with rising Middle Eastern visitor growth (+17% YoY). Hospitality consultant Farhad Ahmed notes: Luxury resorts are diversifying marketing beyond traditional European markets to offset potential backlash.
Regional dynamics show Indonesia and Bangladesh exploring similar legislative measures, though none have matched the Maldives' swift implementation. A 2023 ASEAN tourism report indicates 72% of Muslim-majority nations now impose some Israeli travel limitations, compared to 58% pre-2021. This geopolitical shift emerges as Saudi Arabia accelerates its $38 billion Red Sea tourism project, creating new halal travel corridors.
The policy revision follows heated social media debates where #BoycottIsraelMaldives trended with 1.2 million engagements. However, dissenting voices like former Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer warn: Politicizing tourism risks alienating global investors during our climate resilience infrastructure push.
Immigration data shows Israeli entries peaked at 11,000 annually pre-pandemic before dwindling to 60 in 2024's first quarter. Resort operators confirm 14 canceled bookings worth $92,000 since the announcement. We're enhancing partnerships with Chinese and Saudi tour operators to fill capacity,stated LUX* South Ari Atoll manager Aminath Shazna.