President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified the bill on protecting the rights of people with special needs and providing financial assistance. The bill was passed by the Majlis on 22 June 2010.
Following ratification, the bill was published in the Government Gazette.

The Act stipulates principles and procedures in providing protection and financial assistance to people with special needs.

According to the Act, a council to protect the rights of people with disabilities shall be established within 30 days of enactment. The key objective of the Council would be to monitor the implementation of policies regarding people with disabilities.

The bill was first passed by the People’s Majlis on 21 December 2009. However, President Nasheed returned the bill to the People’s Majlis for reconsideration, stating that the bill contained articles that contradicted international standards and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.