The Maldivian Health Ministry has commenced enforcement of a historic generational smoking ban, making the South Asian archipelago the first nation globally to implement such a policy. Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the law permanently prohibits anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from ever buying, using, or possessing tobacco.
The sweeping ban covers all tobacco products and applies to both residents and tourists visiting the luxury travel destination. Officials confirmed that the policy has not negatively impacted tourism, with visitor arrivals continuing to grow toward a projected 2 million next year.
This legislative milestone follows the Maldives’ comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products. Under current regulations, violating vape laws carries a 5,000 rufiyaa ($320) fine, while selling tobacco to restricted individuals incurs a steep 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200) penalty.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of Maldivians aged 13 to 15 consume some form of tobacco. The generational ban aims to curb these high youth addiction rates and protect public health.
While the Maldives is the first to enforce this policy, other nations have taken different paths regarding generational bans:
- Maldives: Active and fully enforced for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.
- United Kingdom: Currently pending in Parliament, aiming to restrict anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. (updated: UK Passes Lifetime Tobacco Ban for Anyone Born After 2008)
- New Zealand: Repealed its planned ban (targeting those born on or after January 1, 2009) in late 2023 following a change in government.
With this move, the Maldives sets a strict global precedent in tobacco control, successfully executing a public health strategy that other developed nations have struggled to pass or maintain.
