The Maldives has changed its immigration law to ban people with Israeli passports from entering the country, as a protest against the war in Gaza, news agency AP reported.
The new rule was passed by Parliament on Monday and approved by President Mohamed Muizzu the following day, the president’s office said in a statement.
However, the Maldives Immigration Service clarified that Israeli citizens who hold a second passport from another country will still be allowed to enter.
Although the Cabinet decided on this move nearly a year ago, it was only made official this week.
“The decision reflects the government’s strong position against the ongoing violence and alleged genocide by Israel in Palestine,” the statement further read.
The Maldives, a small island nation south of India, is known for its luxury tourism and is predominantly a Sunni Muslim country, where practising other religions is banned by law.
In February, 59 people with Israeli passports visited the Maldives, according to immigration data.
Anti-Israel sentiment is growing in the Islamic countries in South Asia due to the Gaza war. As Malé takes this step, Bangladesh and Pakistan have witnessed large protests against the war.
Bangladesh has also reinstated the phrase, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”
The main protest took place at Suhrawardy Udyan in central Dhaka, near Dhaka University. Many protesters beat pictures of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming them for supporting Israel.
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party, along with right-wing Islamic groups and parties, showed support for the rally. Large protests were also held in Bogra, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar in recent days.
Similar violent protests were witnessed in Pakistan, as thousands of people marched in Karachi on Sunday to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has repeatedly called for a lasting ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Just last week, anti-Israel protesters vandalised an American fast food restaurant in Rawalpindi.
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Maldives bans Israeli citizens from country over Gaza war, parliament okays Muizzu year-long push – Firstpost
