The Ministry of the Interior has distanced itself from the growing backlash over the controversial 20% tax deduction on rent allowances of security personnel, pointing fingers at the Ministry of Finance.

In what appears to be a damage-control response to mounting public criticism, the Interior Ministry issued a statement on April 11, 2026, denying any involvement in the deductions that have sparked discontent among officers.

The Ministry insists it lacks the authority to impose or deduct taxes, effectively shifting responsibility to the Finance Ministry, which it says carried out the deductions “at source” in accordance with tax laws.

The clarification comes amid heightened tension within the security services, where personnel have reportedly raised concerns about the impact of the deductions on their already stretched finances.

While the Interior Ministry attempts to draw a clear line between its mandate and that of the Finance Ministry, the development raises broader questions about coordination within government and the communication of fiscal policies affecting frontline workers.

Despite the controversy, the Ministry has urged calm, assuring personnel that government will not short-change them and will continue to prioritise their welfare.

But for many observers, the statement may do little to quell frustration, as affected personnel grapple with the reality of reduced allowances and limited clarity on whether any relief measures are forthcoming.