Maldives to Build International-Standard Rehabilitation Prisons Within Five Years

The Maldives aims to overhaul its correctional system within the next five years, developing international-standard prisons designed to function as rehabilitation centers, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan announced. Speaking during the PSM “Ahaa” forum, Minister Ihusan emphasized that the government's goal is to create facilities that prioritize the reintegration of offenders into society. He clarified that while the administration is aggressively expanding capacity, the objective is not to increase incarceration rates, but to ensure those detained receive the necessary care and rehabilitation to address the nation's crime challenges. Since taking office, the government has already added over 400 prison spaces, with an additional 100 expected by the end of this month. This effort aligns with the Maldives Correctional Service's target of adding 500 new spaces under the current administration to combat chronic overcrowding. Beyond capacity, the Minister noted that basic services previously lacking in many cells have already been restored. As a long-term strategic solution, the government is planning a central prison based on a “One Prison Concept.” This model would consolidate all essential correctional and rehabilitative services within a single, streamlined facility to improve efficiency and inmate welfare. Minister Ihusan also highlighted the social and economic friction caused by operating prisons on inhabited islands, particularly as the local tourism sector expands. To mitigate this, the government has identified the development of a modern prison facility in the northern atolls as a major priority. The Minister expressed confidence that these structural reforms, coupled with continued leadership under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, would lead to a significant reduction in criminal activity across the archipelago.