Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has said work has begun on the Government's One Prison concept, which aims to provide a long-term solution to challenges facing the prison system.

Speaking at a certificate-awarding ceremony held by the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS), the minister said efforts are underway to address infrastructure and space constraints within prisons, with the issues expected to be resolved within the next two years.

Minister Ihusaan also said the Government is working to amend existing laws so that time spent participating in rehabilitation programmes can count towards an inmate's release from prison. He said the objective is to encourage rehabilitation and support the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

The minister said every individual leaving prison should be able to contribute positively to the community, earn the respect of society and be accepted by their families. Addressing inmates who completed the courses, he encouraged them to build productive lives and remain determined not to return to prison.

The One Prison concept forms part of the Government's vision to address longstanding issues within the prison system, where a central prison facility will be developed.

The project is intended to provide a permanent solution to concerns associated with operating prisons on inhabited islands and in areas where local tourism activities have expanded.