The number of Israeli tourists visiting the Maldives increased in July, Maldives Immigration statistics have shown.
Data shows that 124 Israeli tourists visited the country in July this year; compared to 82 Israeli arrivals in June.
The increase comes at a time when the Cabinet had, on 2 June, resolved to change the law to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country amid widespread calls protesting Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people. The administration announced the ban during a press conference at the President’s Office, attended by four Cabinet ministers as well as the Attorney General — a committee of ministers tasked with its practical implementation was also formed.
Nearly three months into the Cabinet decision, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), in June, introduced a bill to parliament to implement the ban. The bill was accepted for consideration with overwhelming support, including from administration-aligned Members of Parliament, and was referred to the Security Services Committee (241 Committee).
However, Attorney General Ahmed Usham later advised that, from a practical stand-point, a blanket ban on everyone with an Israeli passport should be reconsidered.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to face heavy criticism for its lack of action, with some alleging that there was no practical intent to implement the ban.