Israeli citizens will be prohibited from investing in the Maldives even if they enter the country using a passport issued by another country, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said today.

Responding to a journalist at a press briefing at the President’s Office, President Muizzu said the Immigration Act prohibits entry using Israeli passports, while the Real Estate Business Bill submitted to Parliament sets out further restrictions on Israeli citizens and companies investing in the Maldives.

President Muizzu said the proposed legislation would prevent Israeli citizens from investing in the country, including those who hold dual nationality and travel using another country’s passport.

“The Real Estate Bill explains this in even more detail. There is no opportunity for any Israeli citizen, investor or company, and it is included in detail in the bill. It is possible. Even if they come to the Maldives on a dual passport, they can invest only after checking their KYC,” President Muizzu said.

The President said authorities would verify the identity of prospective property investors through KYC checks and would not approve transactions involving Israeli citizens.

He said the legislation would close any loopholes that could allow Israeli citizens to invest in the Maldives once it comes into force.

President Muizzu’s remarks come amid opposition criticism of the government’s plan to develop the Maldives Water Front and Marina project in Rasmale’.

The government has also proposed amendments to the Immigration Act that would explicitly include Israeli passport holders among those prohibited from entering Maldives.