2022 in the Maldives

The following lists events that happened during 2022 in the Maldives.

Incumbents

2 February – The Madivaru Airport is opened.
Australia establishes a permanent diplomatic presence in the Maldives, agreeing to collaborate on climate change, Indian Ocean security, and drug rehabilitation.

President Ibrahim Solih issues a decree banning the “India Out” campaign, citing national security concerns.

Civil society activists petition the High Court to repeal provisions of the Freedom of Assembly Act, which restricts protests to police-approved areas.

1 June – The Maldivian government bans the production, import, and consumption of certain single-use plastics as part of its national waste management strategy.
Islamist extremists disrupt a 150-person International Yoga Day event in Male; authorities arrested six people.
The Maldivian parliament enacts the Evidence Act, allowing courts to compel journalists and media outlets to reveal sources, causing journalists to raise concerns about press freedom.

15-24 July – The Maldives competes at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon with one athlete, sprinter Hassan Saaid, participating in the men’s 100 metres.
28 July – The Maldives competes at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, marking its first appearance since rejoining the Commonwealth. 24 athletes take part, with no medals won.
The Adhaalath Party declares yoga forbidden for Muslims in the Maldives.
Police arrest three men for allegedly engaging in consensual same-sex relations with a Bangladeshi national.

President Ibrahim Solih visits New Delhi, reaffirming the “India First” policy and support for the Greater Male Connectivity Project.

15 September – Ahmed Sattar is sentenced to three months and 26 days of home confinement for engaging in homosexual relations.
The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls visits the Maldives to assess progress on gender equality, praising commitments but noting persistent societal and legal barriers.

3 October – President Ibrahim Solih declares the day a government holiday to mark the first National Tourism Day, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of tourism in the Maldives.
17-24 October – The Maldives hosts an international mission of the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative, with participation from the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management.
18 October – President Ibrahim Solih inaugurates the Maldives International Challenge 2022 badminton tournament with players from 25 countries.

5-7 November – Vice President Faisal Naseem attends the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, delivering the Maldives’ national statement and highlighting the country’s climate action plans, including its commitment to net zero emissions by 2030.
President Ibrahim Solih ratifies the Associations Act, introducing NGO financial disclosure requirements and limited state funding.

25 December – Former President Abdulla Yameen is convicted of money laundering and bribery and sentenced to 11 years in prison.