A programme to reintegrate convicts to be released from Maafushi prison back into society began with 200 inmates today.

In his address to the nation on Independence Day, President Mohamed Nasheed announced that close to 400 convicts would be offered “a second chance,” given government jobs and gradually reintegrated into society.

MNBC One reports that the first round of the reintegration programme began this morning with 200 inmates chosen for release.

Over 80 percent of inmates in Maafushi jail were incarcerated for drug-related offences.