Bangladesh and the Maldives have separately implemented new anti-Israel passport rules, with the latter saying the move is to show “resolute solidarity” with Palestinians.
The pair, both of whose populations are more than 90 per cent Muslim, have a long history of pro-Palestinian advocacy, with neither recognising Israel as a legitimate state.
The Maldives has barred all Israeli passports from entering its borders after the new policy was approved by its parliament earlier today.
It was swiftly signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu, whose office said it was intended to reiterate its condemnation of what it describes as Israel’s “ongoing atrocities” against the Palestinian people.
The amended Immigration Act blocks entry for Israeli passport holders, though dual nationals may still visit using non-Israeli documents.
The change was first implemented in 2024 but was delayed following international condemnation. However, there has been mounting domestic pressure for a stronger stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has seen the measure pushed through.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has since advised citizens—regardless of secondary nationality—to avoid travel to the Maldives and recommended that Israelis in the country consider leaving due to limited consular support.
Muizzu also announced plans to appoint a special envoy to evaluate humanitarian needs in the Palestinian territories and to launch a national fundraising campaign under the banner “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestins”.
In Bangladesh, meanwhile, the government has reinstated a previously dropped clause from its regulations which will see its citizens passports cease to be valid for entry to the Jewish State.
A new passage will be added to the document, informing the holder that it will be “valid for all countries except Israel”, which was removed in 2021 after being present for several decades.
Bangladeshi authorities last week issued a directive to restore the inscription confirmed Nilima Afroze, a deputy secretary in the Home Ministry, according to the the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency.
“The director general of the department of immigration and passport was asked to take necessary measures to implement this change,” Afroze said, as quoted by local newspaper The Daily Star, according to AFP.
