The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is set to undergo major administrative and structural reforms following the ratification of the Attorney General’s Office Act by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on May 29, 2025.

The legislation, which was passed by Parliament on May 15, will take effect 90 days after publication.

The Act formally establishes the AGO as an independent entity, removing it from the purview of the Civil Service Commission. It sets out a new governance structure for the office, outlining responsibilities for public prosecutors and support staff, and introduces provisions to strengthen the office’s legal and administrative functions.

In a statement , the AGO confirmed that amendments to the Act are already being prepared. These will be submitted once the second session of Parliament begins in June. The proposed changes aim to further refine the office’s internal framework and address functional aspects of its operations.

Among the key changes introduced by the Act is the division of AGO staff into two categories: Legal Services and Administrative Services. It also establishes roles for Deputy Attorney General and Secretary General, and defines responsibilities for each service division.

The Act further includes provisions for the President’s Office to play a role in determining the AGO’s staffing structure, a move aimed at aligning human resource practices with broader government policy. Additionally, salary structures, allowances, and retirement procedures will be regulated according to national pay policies and guidelines set by the National Pay Commission.

The legislation is intended to address long-standing challenges related to hiring technical staff and improving salary scales, while also enhancing the efficiency and autonomy of the AGO.