President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has approved a comprehensive plan to expand work opportunities for inmates, both within prison facilities and in the community.
Under this new framework, individuals who complete rehabilitation programs in accordance with guidelines set by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and the Maldives Correctional Service will be eligible for sentence reductions and pardons through a structured system.
The decision was made following deliberations during the Cabinet meeting on December 1, 2024, after reviewing a paper from the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Based on the recommendations presented and the Cabinet's advice, the President has authorized several key reforms. These include the introduction of a new rehabilitation framework, adjustments to enhance employment prospects for inmates inside and outside prisons, and the integration of the rehabilitation process with mechanisms for pardons, parole, and sentence reduction.
The plan also includes an expansion of community service initiatives. To ensure effective implementation, relevant government agencies have been assigned specific responsibilities, with clear timelines for achieving and monitoring key objectives.