The new Associations Act [Law no. 3/2022] has repealed the previous Associations Act [Law no. 1/2003]. 

The Act governs the particulars of exercising the right to form associations granted by Section 30 (b) of the Constitution, including incorporation, registration, and regulation; general rights and obligations of such entities; and the duties of the Registrar of Associations.

The Act seeks to establish a mechanism to ensure the accountability of associations and to provide a legal framework for associations within which they can contribute to the advancement of the Maldivian society. 

The law also specifies terms for fundraising, financial liabilities, and dissolution of registered associations. 

The Act mandates the President to appoint a Registrar of Associations within 30 days of its enactment and empowers the President to appoint and dismiss them. The registrar is to formulate the necessary rules and regulations pertaining to the law.