The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has called for targeted restrictions on government officials rather than a blanket ban on all Israeli passport holders, as Parliament considers amendments to the Maldives Immigration Act.

Speaking at the National Security Committee (241 Committee) meeting, MATATO President Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz endorsed sanctions but called for a targeted approach. While time and resources prevented a detailed statistical study, feedback from MATATO members supported focusing restrictions on specific individuals – he also cited the International Criminal Court's (ICC) recent arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) has also aligned with MATATO's position.

The 241 Committee continues to gather stakeholder input as it reviews the proposed amendments to the immigration law.