President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially ratified the Attorney General's Office Act, enacting a transformative legal framework that formally separates the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) from the Maldives Civil Service. This long-anticipated reform is aimed at strengthening the autonomy and operational efficiency of one of the country's most critical legal institutions.
A Shift Towards Legal Independence
For years, the Attorney General’s Office operated under the umbrella of the Civil Service, despite being recognized by the Constitution as an independent entity. This structural inconsistency presented numerous administrative and operational challenges, including significant difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified legal professionals.
One key concern was salary disparity. While institutions like the Prosecutor General’s Office operated independently with competitive compensation packages, the AGO remained bound by civil service pay scales—often lower and less attractive for top-tier legal talent.
The newly ratified Act addresses these concerns directly by restructuring the AGO as a standalone body. Under the new framework, the office is no longer bound by civil service salary limitations, and compensation will instead be set in alignment with policies from the National Pay Commission and the Ministry of Finance.
Enhancements in Staff Structure and Benefits
Under the revised structure, employees of the AGO will now be categorized into two main branches: Legal Services and Administrative Services. This distinction aims to streamline operations and improve clarity in roles and responsibilities.
The legislation also introduces a medical insurance scheme for staff, a benefit not previously guaranteed under civil service rules. Furthermore, employees who dedicate 20 or more consecutive years to the AGO will now be eligible for honourable retirement allowances—a significant incentive designed to reward long-term public service.
An additional provision ensures that personnel who have served at least 10 years at the AGO and have also completed 20 or more years in another state institution will also qualify for this retirement benefit.
In response to the bill’s ratification, the Attorney General’s Office issued a statement announcing forthcoming administrative and organizational reforms. These changes are expected to be compiled and formally submitted to Parliament in the coming month, marking the next phase in the evolution of the office.
The Act also clearly outlines the roles, responsibilities, and ethical obligations of the Attorney General and AGO personnel, further solidifying the office’s function within the broader legal and governance framework of the Maldives.
