The Maldives became the first country worldwide to create a total smoking ban which applies to all citizens regardless of age and affects both residents and tourists. Under the new law, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 will be permanently prohibited from smoking or purchasing tobacco products while in the country.
The Ministry of Health announced over the weekend that for this younger generation, the use, purchase, or sale of tobacco will be illegal anywhere in the Maldives. Retailers need to confirm customer ages before they can make any tobacco product sales.
The ministry chose this method because the government sought to protect children from tobacco-induced health issues which take years to develop.
Ahmed Afaal, Vice Chair of the Maldives National Tobacco Control Council, told the BBC that the policy builds on last year’s nationwide ban on vaping, calling it an important step toward creating a tobacco-free generation.
Afaal explained that this issue extends beyond cigarette products. Modern vaping devices are deliberately designed to attract young people and normalize addiction through sleek design and marketing — despite the clear harm they cause.”
The Maldives upholds its World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligations through a complete tobacco product ban which includes all tobacco items. The WHO describes the convention as a coordinated global response to the worldwide tobacco epidemic.
The Maldives government established a complete ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping products through a 2024 law which prohibited their importation and sale and possession and use and distribution for every age group. The current administration considers this policy as the starting point which will lead to establishing a complete ban for future generations.
The Maldives has introduced a policy which will protect future generations together with all visitors who will visit the country. The Maldives has established a long-term plan to create a tobacco-free society which will eliminate all tobacco consumption.
