The Maldives has become the only country in the world to impose a complete smoking ban on all younger generations, prohibiting anyone born after January 1, 2007, from purchasing or using tobacco products, according to the country's Ministry of Health.
The initiative, approved by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year and which comes into effect on November 1, aims to "protect public health and create a tobacco-free generation."
According to the ministry, “any person born on or after January 1, 2007 is prohibited from purchasing, using or selling tobacco products in the Maldives.” The ban includes all forms of tobacco, and vendors are required to verify age before selling.
This measure also applies to tourists visiting the archipelago of 1,191 coral islands, known for its luxury tourism.
At the same time, the ministry has maintained a complete ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession and use of electronic cigarettes, for all ages without exception.
Selling tobacco products to minors is punishable by a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (around €2,800).
It is worth noting that a similar ban has also been proposed in the United Kingdom and is still in the legal process, while New Zealand, the first country to pass such a law, repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after it came into force.
