Rabat – The Moroccan government has endorsed a series of reforms to revamp the working conditions of prison administration and reintegration staff.
During a session at the House of Councillors on Tuesday, Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, presented these reforms, which are expected to introduce a clearer classification of roles within the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR).
“These initiatives elevate the role of prison staff and encourage greater participation in the development of penitentiary institutions,” Baitas said.
Among the key reforms is the introduction of two new categories: prison surveillance officer and prison commander. Relying on this framework ensures a structured career path and reflects the critical role of these employees.
Promotions will now be based on merit, performance, and professional achievements. This marks a shift from a system that relied heavily on seniority. The merit-based approach looks principally to create opportunities for advancement that reward effort and dedication and ensure deserving employees are not overlooked.
To bolster expertise, the reforms will also allow civil servants from other ministries to transition into the DGAPR upon request. Specialists, such as doctors and engineers, will be recruited to meet the specific needs of the administration and supply the necessary skills to strengthen the sector’s overall competency.
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The new measures extend beyond structural adjustments. The management of careers will also be revised to ensure efficient transitions in recruitment, training, and professional growth. Disciplinary processes will also be updated to ensure fairness and accountability.
Meanwhile, the government has committed to reviewing the compensation system to incorporate salary increases and better social benefits. The scope of these reforms ultimately serves one goal: to ensure financial stability and provide appropriate and equitable recognition for the staff’s contributions.
These reforms coincide with recent legislative developments in Morocco, such as laws introducing alternative sentencing and new frameworks for managing penitentiary institutions.
These legal changes require prison staff to take on greater responsibilities, from maintaining security to implementing reintegration programs.
For the thousands of individuals employed in Morocco’s prison administration, these changes address long-standing issues in pay, career progression, and professional support.
The reforms ultimately seek to develop a motivated and skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a modern justice system while benefiting both its staff and the broader community.
