50 inmates to labour in Thilafushi projects

Government has decided to employ 50 inmates to labour in Thilafushi projects within the next two weeks.

Deputy Minister at the Minister of Home Affairs Mohamed Hanim said that inmates will have to volunteer for the projects and amongst them, the inmates with best behaviour records will be given the opportunity.

“There are economic benefits to replacing foreign labourers with inmates. Inmates will also get the opportunity to support the people they have to look after,” said Hanim.

Prison security officers will keep a watchful eye on the inmates who are allowed on the fields, said the Deputy Minister.

Home Minister Umar Naseer said earlier that a portion of their salaries will be owed to the government, which will be used to fund different projects and programs for the prisons.

He said that 400 inmates will be employed for government projects by the end of 2014. There are approximately 730 inmates in state facilities today.