The Ministry of the Interior has distanced itself from the deduction of taxes on rent allowances of security services personnel, following reports linking the Ministry to the development.
In a statement, the Ministry said it had taken note of media publications claiming it had imposed a 20 per cent tax on rent allowances, but clarified that it has no authority to undertake such deductions.
“The Ministry wishes to clarify that it does not have the mandate to deduct tax from the rent allowance of security services personnel,” it stated.
It explained that the deductions were made at source by the Ministry of Finance in line with existing tax laws.
The clarification comes after concerns were raised among affected personnel, some of whom expressed dissatisfaction over the development.
The Interior Ministry, however, urged calm, assuring officers that the government remains committed to their welfare and will not take decisions that undermine their conditions of service.
It added that steps are being taken to ensure fairness, as broader discussions continue around taxation and allowances within the public sector.
