Open Doors World Watch List 2026

Top 50: (19) Maldives

What does persecution look like in Maldives?
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.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
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.

What has changed this year?
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.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Maldives?
Open Doors raises prayer support for our persecuted family in the Maldives.

How can you pray for Maldives?
  Right now, the complete Bible has yet to be translated into the native language of the Maldives. Ask God to change that this year.
  Pray for converts from Islam – that they would be protected.
  Christians (especially converts) are forced to worship in secret. Pray for these courageous fellowships and ask God to bless them.

Open Doors World Watch List 2026 Advocacy Report. UK.