Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has announced that preparations are underway to establish Hope Island, a Government initiative aimed at reforming children involved in criminal activities and reintegrating them into society. Work on the facility is expected to begin before the end of the year.

Minister Ihusaan shared these updates during an interview with Sangu TV, marking the first anniversary of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's Government. He described Hope Island as a transformative solution to tackle youth crime in the Maldives, emphasising its potential to offer hope and reform to a large section of society. He also confirmed that the design work has been completed and that Dh. Vaanee has been selected as the location for the project.

“This is a strong vision, one that many Maldivians have long desired during this tenure of the President. It is a project where hope is deeply tied to its purpose, and God willing, we will deliver it,” said Minister Ihusaan.

The facility will accommodate up to 400 children at a time and will focus on holistic rehabilitation through religious practices, formal education, physical exercise, and vocational training.

Children residing on Hope Island will remain in the facility until they reach 18 years of age. After completing their rehabilitation, they will be expected to serve for a set period in either  the Maldives Police Service or the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), helping to contribute to the nation’s development.

This initiative builds on an earlier announcement by Minister Ihusaan on 6th April, where he outlined the Government’s plan to create a separate facility to rehabilitate juvenile offenders. Under the law, children involved in crimes can be placed under state custody for extended periods following a court verdict.

With Hope Island, the Government aims to address the root causes of youth crime and provide young offenders with the skills and opportunities needed to lead productive lives, ultimately benefitting both individuals and the broader Maldivian society.