DILI, 01 July 2026 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved a draft Decree-Law introducing the first amendments to Decree-Law No. 10/2012 of Feb. 29, which establishes the Special Career Path and Statute of the Prison Guard.
The draft decree-law was presented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai.
The purpose of this Decree-Law is to revise the Special Career Regime and Statute for Prison Guards, in effect since 2012, to clarify the rules for career advancement, recognise the value of prison guards, and enhance the effectiveness of the prison system.
“Among the main amendments introduced by this Decree-Law are the creation of the rank of Chief Prison Guard, the revision of promotion rules, the increase in the salary supplement to 50% of the base salary, the right to a meal during shifts, and the creation of an exceptional seniority-based promotion system for prison guards who have remained at the highest rank of their respective category for more than eight years, provided they meet the legal requirements,” said in a statement.
The law also introduces adjustments to recruitment, training, and the exercise of leadership duties.
The purpose of this revision is to recognise the merit and dedication of prison guards, create better opportunities for career advancement, and contribute to improving security and the quality of services in correctional facilities.
This draft Decree-Law had already been discussed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 13th, 2024. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting process—specifically to harmonise the compensation system, provide for the right to a meal during work shifts, and establish a transitional system for extraordinary promotions—it became necessary to review and deliberate on it again.
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