The Maldives’ plans to make its ban on Israeli passport holders permanent and restrict Israeli citizens and companies from investing in certain property developments have attracted attention from international media, particularly in Israel.
Several Israeli news outlets have reported on the proposed legislation, with coverage extending beyond the entry restrictions to questions surrounding dual nationality, property investment and the planned Rasmalé development.
Ynet highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Israeli citizens who hold dual nationality. While the proposed immigration amendment specifically concerns people travelling on Israeli passports, the report noted that Israeli citizens may still be able to enter using another passport under the existing arrangements. It also drew attention to the separate property legislation, which is intended to prevent Israeli citizens and Israeli-linked companies from acquiring property rights through alternative nationalities.
The Jerusalem Post focused on the political significance of the proposals, placing them within the Maldives’ wider position on the Palestinian issue. Its report also recalled the country’s recent involvement in international legal proceedings concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Walla, an Israeli news outlet, examined the distinction between the two proposed laws. Its report pointed out that the immigration amendment deals with entry using Israeli passports, while the real estate proposal focuses on the identity of investors. It also raised a question about how the proposed restrictions would affect Israeli tourists travelling with foreign passports, given that the identity checks discussed by the President were directed at property investors.
Mako took a more analytical approach, exploring how authorities might identify Israeli citizens attempting to travel or invest using foreign passports. Its report discussed possible checks involving travel information and investor verification. However, some of its discussion about international law and the treatment of dual nationals represents the outlet’s own analysis and should not be taken as an established legal interpretation.
The coverage also connected the proposed property restrictions to the controversy surrounding the planned Rasmalé waterfront and marina development. The project, involving UAE-based developer Eagle Hills, has become a subject of domestic political debate, with concerns raised by opposition figures about the possibility of Israeli involvement. The government has maintained that the proposed legislation would prevent Israeli citizens and entities from acquiring property rights through the development.
The issue has also received coverage outside Israel. Brazilian news outlet UOL, for example, reported on the Maldives’ plans to restrict entry on Israeli passports and prevent Israeli citizens and companies from acquiring property or investing in real estate projects.
The proposed measures follow the Maldives’ existing ban on entry using Israeli passports, which took effect in April 2025. The new immigration amendment would remove the condition linking the restriction to developments in Gaza, making it unconditional if approved.
Both proposals are still undergoing the parliamentary process and have passed only their first reading. The existing rules therefore remain in force until the proposed legislation is approved and ratified.
