Iraq bans smoking across all university and college buildings

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Higher Education has announced a nationwide ban on smoking in all public and private universities and colleges, beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, according to an official statement issued Monday.

The new rule applies to teachers, administrative staff, and students, the ministry said. Penalties will be imposed on anyone who violates the regulation. The fines are set at 25,000 Iraqi dinars ($19) for teachers, 15,000 dinars ($11.5) for university employees, and 10,000 dinars ($7.5) for students caught smoking in prohibited areas.

The statement also said that the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products will not be allowed inside any university or college buildings or facilities.

The statement said the ban includes “smoking in any known area inside the university, including its buildings, halls, corridors, and surroundings, or in any enclosed area within the university. Inviting others or encouraging them to smoke inside the university.”

Iraq’s Ministry of Higher Education document: Iraq bans smoking across all university and college buildings

The ministry explained that the decision is intended to promote a healthier and cleaner educational environment.

The statement did not mention a complete ban across university complexes but referred specifically to smoking inside university buildings and facilities. It is therefore understood that smoking outside, in open-air areas of the campus, is still allowed.

Several universities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, including those in Erbil and Sulaimani, had previously introduced internal bans on smoking.

However, this new directive expands the rule to all institutions nationwide and makes it legally binding.

Although smoking is widely practiced in Iraq, government efforts to limit tobacco use have faced inconsistent enforcement. A general ban on smoking in or around public buildings was first enacted in 2009, following earlier campaigns launched after 2003 to promote public health.

A 2015 report by Iraqi health advocates estimated that an average of 55 Iraqis die every day from diseases linked to smoking, while about 10 people a day lose their lives to violence or terrorism. Health experts say the figures highlight the heavy toll of tobacco use on Iraq’s population.

According to surveys, smoking rates in Iraq remain high at roughly 31 percent among men and 4 percent among women.

In the Kurdistan Region, the overall rate is lower at 15.3 percent, including 25.1 percent for men and 2.7 percent for women.

While advertising tobacco is officially banned, enforcement remains weak.

A 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) survey reported that cigarette advertisements could still be found in Baghdad, including near hospitals and schools. The same report noted that 13 percent of Iraq’s districts had no funded programs to help smokers quit.

Cigarette taxes remain relatively low, with most packs selling for under one U.S. dollar. Despite opposition from religious leaders, who generally view smoking as un-Islamic, the practice continues to be seen by many Iraqis as a socially acceptable habit.

(With files from Agencies)