President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has given the green light to a sweeping prison reform initiative aimed at expanding employment and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates, both within correctional facilities and in community settings.
The reforms, which were approved during a Cabinet meeting on December 1, 2024, include a new framework designed to provide inmates with work opportunities that support their reintegration into society. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce recidivism and enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
Under the plan, inmates who successfully complete rehabilitation programs—developed by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology in collaboration with the Maldives Correctional Service—may qualify for sentence reductions and pardons. The framework integrates rehabilitation efforts with mechanisms for parole, community service, and sentence adjustments.
Key aspects of the reform include expanding community service initiatives and improving employment prospects for inmates. Government agencies have been tasked with specific responsibilities to ensure the smooth implementation of these measures, with clear timelines and objectives for monitoring progress.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a more rehabilitative approach within the correctional system, emphasizing the importance of preparing inmates for life beyond prison walls.
