In a significant public health initiative, the government of the Maldives announced it will ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after January 2007, or currently under the age of 19, with the aim of eventually banning smoking altogether in the island nation. The new law, which goes into effect on November 1, 2025, seeks to phase out smoking over time.
In accordance with a press release from President Mohamed Muizzu’s office after Sunday’s cabinet meeting, “The new law is to be enacted on November 1, 2025.”
A Generational Smoking Ban
The law entails a lifetime ban on buying cigarettes for generations born after the January 2007 cut-off. This is part of a global trend to safeguard young generations from tobacco’s health dangers.
The penalties for breaking the new law have not yet been announced by officials but have been confirmed to include amending current tobacco control acts in preparation for the upcoming policy.
Global Context: Following and Breaking Trends
Although New Zealand was initially the first nation to pass a similar generational smoking ban, it repealed the act in November 2023, just under one year after its passage. In the meantime, the United Kingdom continues to work towards advancing similar legislation intended to bring an end to smoking by future generations.
The Maldives’ move places the island nation in a group of a few nations trying to implement a long-term solution to cut down on tobacco consumption and the impact of smoking-related diseases.
Tighter Tobacco Regulations Already in Place
The upcoming generational ban builds on recent tobacco control efforts in the Maldives. In November 2024, the country raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 and imposed a ban on the import of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Notably, the ban on vaping products extends to tourists visiting the luxury archipelago.
This wide-ranging strategy to control tobacco demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to public health and its vision for a smoke-free future.
