Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has stated that prison capacity in the Maldives has been expanded to accommodate 400 additional inmates over the past two years.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Ihusaan said one of the major challenges faced by the current Administration upon assuming office was the lack of space in the prison system, following the closure and demolition of several detention facilities during the previous administration.

The minister explained that the former Malé Prison, which had the capacity to hold around 350 inmates, was closed after a school was constructed nearby. In addition, a custodial detention facility with a capacity of 100 inmates was demolished, resulting in the loss of prison space for approximately 450 detainees. The shortage of detention space created significant operational challenges for the corrections system, particularly in accommodating individuals who needed to be held in custody.

He noted that efforts by the Maldives Correctional Service, including support from prison staff and inmates, have enabled authorities to create additional capacity in existing facilities. Over the past four months, a facility capable of accommodating 100 inmates was developed at Hulhumalé Prison at a cost of MVR 5 million, compared to a previously awarded project valued at MVR 39 million for a similar capacity.

In addition to expanding prison space, the minister said several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen prison security and services. A new online portal has been introduced to provide prison-related services digitally, while body scanners have been installed at Maafushi Prison, the largest prison facility in the Maldives, to prevent contraband and illegal items from entering the facility through visitors, inmates or staff.

Minister Ihusaan also revealed that efforts are underway to further strengthen policing services across the country. As part of these initiatives, 53 police infrastructure projects, including police stations and posts in the atolls, are currently under development. Of these, 11 additional buildings are expected to be brought into service by the end of this month.

The minister added that work is also ongoing to develop a modern central prison facility aimed at addressing long-term capacity and operational challenges within the Maldives’ correctional system.