The island nation in the Indian Ocean has introduced a lifetime ban on the purchase and use of tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2007. The initiative aims to “raise a generation free from tobacco,” reports The Guardian.
From November 1, a new law came into effect in the Maldives, prohibiting the purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products for people born on or after January 1, 2007. The initiative, proposed by former President Mohamed Muizzu, is designed to protect public health and foster a generation without harmful habits, according to the Maldives Ministry of Health.
The restrictions apply not only to local residents but also to tourists visiting the country, which consists of 1,191 small coral islands stretching approximately 800 km along the equator, known for their luxury resorts.
Additionally, the Maldives maintains a complete ban on the import, sale, distribution, storage, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes for all age groups.
Violations carry penalties: selling tobacco products to minors incurs a fine of 50,000 Rufiyaa (≈€2,835), while using vapes results in a fine of 5,000 Rufiyaa (≈€284).
For comparison, New Zealand became the first country in the world in 2022 to introduce a similar lifetime ban on tobacco purchases for residents born after 2008. However, less than two years later, the law was repealed due to the growth of the illegal tobacco market.
Currently, similar legislative proposals are under consideration at various stages in several other countries around the world.