President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the Attorney General’s Office Act, reinforcing the legal foundation and operational independence of the country’s chief legal authority.

While the Maldivian Constitution has long recognized the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) as an independent institution, it previously functioned under the Civil Service Commission. That arrangement officially changed in May, when the Attorney General’s Act formally designated the AGO as an autonomous body.

To further clarify and strengthen the office’s role, the government introduced an amendment in June. The proposed changes aimed to define the AGO’s responsibilities more precisely, enhance its advisory capacity, and revise policies on employee pay and benefits. The amendment was submitted by MP Ali Fawad on behalf of the government and was approved by the People’s Majlis during its 24th sitting on August 12.

Now ratified, the amendment places the AGO under the President’s authority. The Attorney General is tasked with developing the office’s organizational structure—including key positions such as Deputy Attorney General, Secretary General, and other staff—subject to presidential approval.

The updated law also details the office’s functions, sets out procedures for hiring lawyers and legal support staff, and establishes a comprehensive framework for employee benefits. Officials within the AGO had previously emphasized the need for such revisions, highlighting that the changes enable a more structured and effective legal institution with clearer executive oversight.

Following ratification, the amendment was published in the Government Gazette and has officially come into force.

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