In the miles and points space, we write frequently about the Maldives, known for its pristine white sand beaches and stunning islands. However, I came across a news story about the Maldives which was rather shocking. The foreign ministry of Maldives just recommended that Israeli tourists avoid traveling to the archipelago. The recommended ban not only includes tourists with Israeli passports, but also includes those holding dual citienships.
Maldives bans Israeli tourists
As per the Times of Israel and several other outlets, the announcement was made by the foreign ministry of Maldives. In response, Israel also recommended that its citizens leave the archipelago to avoid any danger.
The Foreign Ministry on Sunday recommended that Israelis — including those with other passports — avoid traveling to the Maldives, after the island nation announced that Israeli passport holders will be banned.
Israel also recommended that citizens living in the Indian Ocean archipelago weigh leaving, as it would be difficult to assist them should they find themselves in danger.
“For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist,” the Foreign Ministry ministry said in a statement.
As per government sources, the decision was taken at the highest level by Maldivian president Mohammed Muizzu, in order to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.
President Mohamed Muizzu has “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports,” a spokesman for his office said in a statement, without giving details of when the new law would take effect.
He also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.
On X and other platforms, the response to the decision was swift.
The Pundit’s Mantra
The current government of Maldives is no stranger to controversy. At the start of the year, distasteful public comments by high ranking government officials snowballed what started as online banter into a full blown diplomatic standoff between India and Maldives, with Indian tourists boycotting travel to the Maldives in response.
After the most recent ban on Israeli tourists by the Maldives, we’re already seeing a backlash. Where this standoff will end, only time will tell. If you look at the data, this decision by the government seems to be political posturing more than anything else, as Israeli tourists only accounted for 0.6% of the total tourist population to the Maldives last year.
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