The Maldives has officially become the first country in the world to enforce a lifetime ban on smoking for an entire generation. Under the new law that came into effect today, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is permanently prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the country. This landmark policy, part of the second amendment to the Tobacco Control Act (Act No. 15/2010), was signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu in May 2025, marking a significant step toward creating a “tobacco-free generation.” The amendment also expands restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping devices, bans all tobacco advertising and sponsorship, and increases penalties for retailers who violate sales laws.
The main objective behind this generational ban is to protect young Maldivians from the well-documented health consequences of tobacco use. According to the Ministry of Health, smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths and non-communicable diseases in the Maldives. A national survey revealed that 21.8% of Maldivians aged between 15 and 29 use tobacco products, a statistic that prompted the government to take urgent action. Officials say the ban aligns with the Maldives’ commitment to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and represents a long-term strategy to eliminate smoking-related illnesses from the island nation.
The cabinet approved the generational ban in April 2025, targeting those born on or after 2007, and allowed a six-month transition period for retailers and health authorities to prepare for its implementation. In practice, the law places new responsibilities on vendors to verify buyers’ ages and ensure that no one from the prohibited birth cohort can purchase tobacco. The minimum legal age for tobacco sales has also been raised, and sellers found violating the law could face heavy fines and license suspensions. For those born in or after 2007, the ban is lifelong, meaning that even when they become adults, they will never legally be allowed to buy tobacco products in the Maldives.
Reactions to the generational ban have been mixed. Public health experts and anti-smoking advocates worldwide have applauded the Maldives for its bold leadership in tackling tobacco addiction at the root. International organizations, including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), have praised the move as “a life-saving policy that could change the course of public health.” The government has emphasized that this ban is not just a symbolic step but part of a broader effort to reduce the national burden of disease, promote healthier lifestyles, and encourage smoking cessation. However, not everyone is convinced that the policy will work as intended. Critics have raised concerns about enforcement challenges, particularly given the Maldives’ vast network of islands and its reliance on imported goods. There are fears that the ban could drive tobacco sales underground and fuel a black market, similar to what has been observed in other countries with strict prohibition policies.
Some experts have also criticized the inclusion of e-cigarettes and vaping devices in the ban, arguing that it removes potentially safer alternatives for current smokers trying to quit. Consumer advocates have warned that by banning all nicotine products, the government might unintentionally push users toward unregulated and unsafe sources. Despite these concerns, the government remains confident that the measure will yield long-term benefits. Authorities have announced plans to strengthen tobacco cessation programs, expand public education campaigns, and use revenue from tobacco taxes to fund health initiatives.
The Maldives’ approach is being closely watched around the world. Several countries, including New Zealand and the United Kingdom, have debated similar generational bans, but none have yet implemented them at the national level after political reversals. By enforcing its law, the Maldives has effectively become a testing ground for a new model of tobacco control that aims not only to reduce smoking rates but to eliminate the habit from future generations.
Starting today, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is part of the first generation in history that will never be legally allowed to smoke. Retailers are now required to conduct strict age checks before every sale, while health authorities will monitor compliance through regular inspections. As this policy takes hold, the world will be watching to see if this bold Maldivian experiment can truly extinguish tobacco use for good or if it will spark new debates about the limits of public health intervention.
