Over 15,600 registered as persons with disabilities, nearly 28% have physical impairments

The number of people in the Maldives registered as persons with disabilities has risen to over 15,600, according to the latest statistics released by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

Statistics shared by NSPA on Tuesday shows 15,652 people were registered as persons with disabilities by the end of June.

This marks a slight 1.47 percent increase compared to the 15,425 people registered as persons with disabilities at the end of May.

The 15,652 people registered as persons with disabilities as of June includes 9,046 males and 6,606 females.

The most prevalent form of disability remains physical impairments, which make for 27.58 percent of the total.

Persons with disabilities (June 2026):

• Total: 15,652 individuals
• Physical disabilities: 4,137 individuals (2,366 males and 1,951 females)
• Multiple disabilities: 3,549 individuals (2,270 males and 1,279 females)
• Mental disabilities: 2,409 individuals (1,448 males and 961 females)
• Intellectual disabilities: 1,829 individuals (1,034 males and 795 females)
• Hearing and speaking disabilities: 1,861 individuals (876 males and 985 females)
• Visual disabilities: 1,035 individuals: 1,035 individuals (543 males and 492 females)
• Autism: 594 individuals (470 males and 124 females)
• Learning disabilities: 58 individuals (39 males and 19 females)

The Disability Act requires the disbursement of a monthly allowance ranging from MVR 3,000 to MVR 6,000 depending on the severity of the impairment. However, many complain the allowance is not enough to cover basic living and care expenses.