Maldives Becomes First Nation to Enforce Generational Tobacco Ban

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: Getty Images

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement a generational ban on smoking, prohibiting anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from using, buying, or selling tobacco products. The policy, announced by the Health Ministry on Saturday, marks a major milestone in the nation’s effort to safeguard younger generations from tobacco-related harm.

According to the ministry, the move reflects the government’s commitment to creating a tobacco-free society and aligns with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a global initiative to combat the tobacco epidemic. Under the new rules, retailers must verify the age of buyers, ensuring compliance with the nationwide restriction.

Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the Tobacco Control Board, described the policy as “a good step towards a generation of tobacco-free citizens.” He emphasized that the ban includes all tobacco forms and follows last year’s decision to outlaw vaping entirely. “These new stylish gadgets are tactics of the industry to attract younger generations into addiction,” Afaal said, noting that vaping bans were an important foundation for broader tobacco control.

The Maldives had already prohibited the import, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes in 2023, making the latest measure a continuation of the country’s strong anti-tobacco stance.

While some feared that the ban might deter tourists, Afaal dismissed such concerns. “People don’t come to the Maldives because they can smoke. They come for the beaches, the sea, and the fresh air,” he said. Tourism data reportedly show no cancellations or declines since the regulations took effect, with the country projecting over two million tourist arrivals in the coming year.

The Maldives’ move comes as other nations reconsider similar initiatives. New Zealand scrapped its proposed generational smoking ban in 2023, while the United Kingdom continues to debate comparable legislation now progressing through Parliament.