Maldives Correctional Service Saves $64,000 Monthly Following Move to New Headquarters

The Maldives Correctional Service has significantly reduced state expenditure by transitioning from expensive leased offices to a new, state-owned headquarters. The move is expected to save the government approximately USD 64,850 per month in recurring rental costs, according to Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer. The announcement was made during the inauguration of an ancillary facility at Asseyri Prison, a project uniquely constructed through the joint efforts of correctional officers and inmates. The central headquarters, which serves as the agency's primary base of operations, was officially opened on November 10 last year by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Prior to this relocation, the service struggled with monthly rental obligations exceeding USD 35,667 for facilities that were structurally unsound. Commissioner Zareer described the previous working environment as detrimental, noting that severe infrastructural deficiencies led to frequent interior leaks during rainfall, which often damaged critical official documentation. For much of its 54-year history, the agency operated out of dilapidated buildings that required constant and costly repairs. The new headquarters marks a shift toward permanence and self-sufficiency, providing a secure environment for the agency's administrative functions. Spanning 12,000 square feet, the new facility centralizes 15 distinct departmental sections on state-owned land. The building currently accommodates 175 civilian and sworn staff, streamlining operations and eliminating the logistical challenges posed by fragmented office spaces. By securing its own permanent base, the Maldives Correctional Service has not only improved the daily working conditions for its staff but has also ensured that substantial funds previously earmarked for private landlords are now preserved within the state budget.