Maldives moves to enact permanent ban on Israeli passport holders, blocks Israeli investment

The Maldives is moving to make its ban on Israeli passport holders permanent, with President Mohamed Muizzu announcing on Monday that Israelis "will not be permitted to enter the Maldives under any circumstances."During a press conference held at the President's Office yesterday, Muizzu explained that earlier proposals sought to prohibit entry "until Israel halted the genocide that began following 7 October 2023."However, the current Bill provides for an unconditional ban on entry for anyone holding an Israeli passport, irrespective of changing circumstances.Muizzi accuses Israel of genocideMuizzi referred to Israel's actions against the Palestinian people as "genocide," adding that the Maldives had consistently maintained this position on international platforms and advocated for the Palestinian cause through various legal avenues."We do not accept the genocide being carried out by Israel against the Palestinian people, and it is something the Maldivian people cannot accept under any circumstances,” he said.He told the media that the proposed Immigration Bill had been drafted to reflect these considerations and clearly establish the Maldives' position on the matter.The government has submitted the amendment to the Immigration Act to the People's Majlis.It is not clear how the proposed entry ban would affect Israeli citizens who hold dual nationality.Government moves to prohibit Israeli individuals, companies from investing in property developmentThe government has also submitted a separate real estate bill to…