Official statistics have shown that 156 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives in the first two months of this year.

Figures released by the Immigration Department indicated that 97 Israeli tourists visited in January, while 59 Israeli tourists visited in February.

Around 1435 Israeli passport holders visited last year. The total number of Israelis who have visited since October 2023 is 2196.

The government has promised to ban entry with Israeli passports. The decision was made on June 2, but no steps have been taken so far.

Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham later said a blanket ban on Israeli citizens was not advisable.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s bill on banning Israeli passports has been stalled in the People's Majlis.

The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs prefer imposing a ban on Israeli government and military officials rather than banning the Israeli passport.

An emergency motion proposed by MP Mauroof Zakir at today's parliament sitting was also thrown out by the speaker.