A bill submitted to the People’s Majlis would rewrite the immigration law and make the prohibition on entry for holders of Israeli passports unconditional.
Under the current framework the ban has been linked to ongoing events in Gaza. The new legislation states that anyone holding an Israeli passport is barred from entry without conditions. It also denies entry to persons charged by the International Criminal Court or subject to its arrest warrants, those listed by Interpol, persons accused of crimes under international law, and fugitives from justice in other countries.
Additional categories include individuals regarded as a threat to sovereignty or national security, those linked to terrorist groups, nationals of countries with which the Maldives has no diplomatic relations, and persons believed likely to undermine social or religious unity.
The bill sets out visitor, work, transit, business and investor, student and special residence visa categories. Specific conditions and durations are left to regulations. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the unconditional ban reflects the view that actions against the Palestinian people are unacceptable to the Maldivian public.
The real estate legislation submitted at the same time separately bars Israeli citizens and companies with any Israeli shareholding from purchasing property in designated zones.
