Travel does not operate in isolation. It’s never divorced from geopolitical realities. Over the last few years, we’ve seen multiple countries express concern and threaten a boycott of Israeli citizens. This is citing what they call as Israel’s disproportionate response to the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas.
Maldives Bans Israeli Citizens
The Maldivian archipelago has been a go to destination for many tourists around the world. However, local Maldivian politics have been far from simple. The current dispensation has already picked fights with India, leading to response, only to see the Maldivian government backtrack later.
The administration has already been accused by many of being too close to the Chinese regime and often gets tossed around owing to the complex politics of the Indian subcontinent. However, the decision to ban Israeli citizens comes as no surprise as there have been murmurs about the same over the last few years.
In a statement, the president’s office said the ratification reflects the government’s strong position against “the ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people”. The ban will remain in effect till Israel halts its military operations against Gaza, the government said.
As it has, the Maldives has had no diplomatic relations with Israel since the 1970s anyway. Moreover, this new order aims to target local political realities more than actually taking a stand against Israel. Why?
Last year, around 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, making up 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals, according to news reports. Israel had issued a travel warning in December due to rising anti-Israel sentiment amid the war with Hamas.
Firstly, barely any Israelis visit the Maldvies. Israelis only account for 0.6% of the total tourist inflow. So, this ban is aimed more at catering to local politics than actually taking any punitive action against Israel. Also, the order states that the ban will stay in effect until Israel halts its military operations in Gaza. What qualifies as a halt is not clarified.
In a statement, the president’s office said the ratification reflects the government’s strong position against “the ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people”. The ban will remain in effect till Israel halts its military operations against Gaza, the government said.
Last year, around 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, making up 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals, according to news reports.
The Pundit’s Mantra:
If you look at the numbers, the ban does very little actually, given that very few Israeli citizens visit the Maldives anyway.
When 11,000 people are killed somewhere, you call that number “very few”?
LOL, I love your logic, comparing tourism numbers to people killed in a conflict. The key point there is that the Maldivian govt. isn’t really serious and its ‘stand’ means little, it’s political posturing at best.
They tried the same by dissing Indian tourists in 2024 and when the $$ dried up, did road shows in India too woo back affluent Indian travelers back to the Maldives.
Huh? Not sure how you equate pointing out 11,000 Israelis visiting the Maldives are (relatively) few = saying 11,000 people killed are few. Gonna need you to show me your math here. lol
@Peace