The Maldives has begun enforcing a nationwide smoking ban targeting anyone born after 1 January 2007.
The country has become the only nation to implement a generational prohibition on tobacco. The health ministry said the aim is to “protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation”.
The policy was initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year. It officially came into effect on 1 November.
According to the ministry, “Under the new provision, individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives.” It also said, “The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”
The rule applies to all individuals in the country. That includes travellers.
The Maldives has 1,191 small coral islands spread across the equator. The islands are well known for luxury tourism.
The ministry added that a full ban remains in place on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products for people of all ages.
Selling tobacco to someone underage will result in a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200). Using vape devices carries a penalty of 5,000 rufiyaa ($320).
A similar plan to prohibit smoking for future generations is still being processed in the UK. New Zealand was the first country to introduce such a generational ban. But it repealed the law in November 2023, less than a year after it was put in place.