Corrections officers petition president over broken salary promises

A petition signed by several Maldives Correctional Service officers has been submitted to the President’s Office, raising serious concerns over the government’s failure to implement salary increases that were scheduled to take effect in January.

Despite clear assurances from Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan, that corrections officers would begin receiving increased salaries from January, no such changes were reflected in their pay. As a result, a significant number of officers formally submitted a petition last Monday to draw the administration’s attention to their grievances.

An officer speaking to RaajjeMV described widespread frustration and disappointment among staff, stating that the expectations created by the Minister’s public commitment were not fulfilled. Beyond the issue of salaries, the petition also calls on the government to allow parents to be included in officers’ medical insurance schemes and to provide dedicated housing solutions or flat allocations for correctional personnel.

The minister’s pledge dates back to December last year, when he announced at a Maldives Customs Service event that salary increases for both Customs and Corrections staff would come into effect in January. At the time, he stated that the revised pay structure was nearing completion.

In addition to this, following media reports published in November highlighting what was described as government indifference to the concerns of prison officers, Minister Ihusan convened an emergency meeting with Maldives Correctional Service staff. The meeting was held amid escalating public scrutiny and internal pressure, during which the minister made several commitments to address the demands raised by officers.

During that meeting, Ihusan assured staff that under the government’s pay equalization policy, the revised salary and benefits package would be finalized and distributed no later than February. He also committed to reforms of the medical insurance scheme to extend coverage to parents and other family members.

Attempts were made to seek clarification from Ihusan regarding the delay in implementing these promised measures. However, the minister did not respond to phone calls or text messages requesting comment on the issue.