Who deducted security personnel rent tax? Interior Ministry clarifies

The Ministry of the Interior has moved to dispel growing concerns among security personnel over reported deductions from their rent allowances, clarifying that it does not have the authority to impose taxes on such payments.

In a statement issued on April 11, the Ministry said claims circulating in sections of the media suggesting it had applied a 20 per cent tax on rent allowances for personnel within the security services were inaccurate.

According to the Ministry, the deductions in question were effected at source by the Ministry of Finance in accordance with existing tax laws, and not by the Interior Ministry.

The clarification comes amid rising unease among officers who had questioned the legality and origin of the deductions, with some expressing fears over possible erosion of their benefits.

The Ministry emphasised that it does not possess the mandate to deduct taxes from allowances, distancing itself from the decision while pointing to the statutory role of the Finance Ministry in matters relating to taxation.

It further sought to reassure affected personnel, urging them to remain calm as the government continues to engage on welfare-related concerns within the security services.

The statement underscored the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of security personnel, insisting that measures would not be taken to disadvantage them.