Maldives Correctional Service (MCS), in a significant move to strengthen the operational efficiency has officially launched its Strategic Action Plan, the ‘My MCS’ Portal, and a comprehensive Prisoner Data Management System last night.
The three key projects were inaugurated by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Honorable Ali Ihusaan. The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Sobah, Prosecutor General Justice (Retired) Al-Ustadh Abbas Shareef, Controller General of Immigration Commissioner of Police (Retired) Ahmed Faseeh, Commissioner General of Maldives Customs Service Fathimath Dhiyana, along with executive and senior officers and staff of MCS and invited guests.
These initiatives represent a significant effort to modernise institutional governance and expand services through advanced technological resources. The Strategic Action Plan (SAP) was developed with financial assistance from the European Union (EU) and technical expertise from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Aligning MCS operations with the SAP is expected to stengthen the prison system, establish a structured framework for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into the society, and further enhance the skills and professional capacities of prison officers and staff.
The Prisoner Data Management System, also developed with full support from UNODC, is a centralised digital platform designed to manage the records of inmates and detainees. By consolidating all relevant data into a single network, the system resolves issues of information discrepancy and ensures that agencies such as the Courts, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Maldives Police Service receive real-time information, thereby expediting public services. Additionally, the digitalisation of medical and personal files through this system is expected to significantly reduce administrative processing time.
Furthermore, the ‘My MCS’ Portal is a modernised version of the previous E-Service Portal, redesigned to provide seamless services to the public. By logging in via ‘e-Faas’, users can easily apply for criminal record clearances, request legal and family meetings with inmates, apply for jobs, and transfer funds to detainees. The Portal is available in both Dhivehi and English, streamlining administrative workflows. Built on a robust foundation, the portal is designed to integrate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future. Developed entirely by the dedicated staff of the MCS Information Technology Division, the portal will be accessible to the general public later this month.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Honorable Ali Ihusaan remarked that this marks a historic milestone in the MCS’s journey toward turning a vision into reality. He noted that the day signifies the establishment of clear objectives and the roadmap to achieve them, providing measurable benchmarks for success. While congratulating the Leadership and staff on the launch of the three-year Strategic Action Plan, the Minister emphasised that this is the first step, and the focus must now shift to 100% implementation, expressing his full confidence in the Team. He further noted that the digitalisation of personal files, medical records, and movement data across all prisons is evidence of the MCS’s tangible transformation. Regarding the ‘My MCS’ Portal, the Minister highlighted that while the new MCS Front Office opened yesterday provides services under one roof, the portal allows citizens to access services conveniently without visiting the Front Office in person. He praised the foresight of the Commissioner of Prisons and the dedication of the staff, describing the current correctional force as a Team he is proud of.
Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer highlighted that these projects are focused on improving public service and emphasised the importance of having a strategic roadmap for institutional progress. He noted that the MCS has historically faced significant infrastructural challenges and that officers have worked tirelessly under difficult conditions to ensure the safety and security of inmates. The Commissioner expressed his gratitude for the vital support provided by the UNODC and the EU. He concluded by stating that the success of the Strategic Action Plan depends on its implementation, continuous evaluation, and the ongoing professional training of officers and staff.
In appreciation of their support, Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer presented two commemorative plaques to Mr. Enrico Boninsegna, the Head of Office for the UNODC Program Office in the Maldives.
