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To be Maldivian is to be Muslim – and that makes converting to Christianity extremely dangerous.
In this conservative and tightly knit country, where neighbours and shopkeepers could report any signs of deviation, converts must practise their faith in absolute secrecy. That’s because the country’s constitution states the Maldives is ‘100% Muslim’. This is an isolating existence, particularly since there are no official churches in the Maldives. It means attempts to gather as believers are fraught with risk. Even accessing Christian content online is impossible, as the government has outlawed the online access of non-Islamic materials. For those discovered to be Christian, they are sure to experience severe opposition from the authorities as well as from their families and local community.
Another problem is Islamic radicalisation (though not at a high level), including militants who have returned from previous fighting in Syria. And criminal gangs – often targets for jihadi recruiters – are liable to threaten anyone deemed insufficiently Muslim.
It’s not just native Maldivians who face challenges. Immigrant and migrant Christians – mostly from India and Sri Lanka who work in the thriving tourist sector – are closely monitored. Sharing their faith with others can be particularly risky.
While the internet can provide some opportunity for foreign believers to access discipleship and community, they run the risk of discovery.
Given the Maldives’ reputation as a holiday island paradise, persecution towards Christians largely takes place away from the tourist hotspots. Those who convert from Islam face the most severe persecution, while immigrants and migrant workers who share their Christian faith can quickly find themselves in trouble with the authorities.
Though the Maldives fell by three positions on the 2026 World Watch List, little has changed. In fact, the country’s persecution score rose by one point. While the Maldives remains a warmly hospitable place for international tourists, for locals who bravely choose to follow Jesus, the atmosphere remains immensely inhospitable.
Open Doors raises prayer support for our persecuted family in the Maldives.
Lord Jesus, thank You for all You’re doing in the Maldives through the quiet, courageous faith of Your children. Give believers encouragement in their walk with You today and provide new opportunities for them to gather. Deepen their sensitivity to Your voice and may they see Your Holy Spirit move in wonderful ways in and through them. Protect them from harm and provide the resources and community they need to grow them in their faith. Amen.
