President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that banning Israeli passports until Israel ceases its ongoing inhumane attacks on Palestine, is a “proud” decision reached under his foreign policy.

The bill was passed in the parliament on 15 April 2025 with a total of 83 lawmakers voting in favor. The bill was passed with the votes of lawmakers representing the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as well. It was passed and ratified after being parked in the parliamentary committee stage for 300 days. Muizzu ratified the bill to ban Israeli passports until a ceasefire is reached.

The bill was proposed by MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem to include banning Israeli passports and preventing entry to those with dual passports including an Israeli passport.

The People’s Majlis passed the bill with provisions that still permit individuals holding Israeli passports to enter the Maldives if they present a different passport. Further, the bill allows Israeli citizens to freely enter the country should Israel cease its ongoing attacks.

Muizzu said that banning Israeli passports is a proud decision made under the Maldives' foreign policy. He also said it was a decision made with pride.

He also said it was an important decision made by the Maldivian government on behalf of the Maldivian people against Israel's inhumane actions and in support of the rights of Palestinian people.

Muizzu added that, despite being a small nation, the Maldives has made its stance against Israel’s actions clear.

Despite the president’s statements, it took several days for the government to implement the legal changes required after announcing the Cabinet’s decision to ban Israeli passports.

As the Israeli passport issue remained unresolved in parliament, the government submitted and passed several other bills, prompting widespread criticism from citizens over the delay in addressing the matter.

Muizzu ratified the bill to ban Israeli passports amid widespread criticism and dissatisfaction directed at the government.