Inside one of El Salvador’s large prison complexes, rows of sewing machines work day and night. Inmates produce clothing for public institutions under a state-backed prison labour programme that expanded in early 2025. The government, led by Nayib Bukele, says this effort helps prisons be more organised while giving inmates work, training, and chances to reduce sentences. Thousands of prisoners rotate through shifts making uniforms for police, soldiers, and other public employees. The workshops have strict rules and clear roles. Prisoners earn credits towards reducing their sentences by working, but authorities have not shared exact details on how these reductions are calculated. Some media reports say one day of work may count as two days off the sentence, but officials have not confirmed this. This factory system grew alongside El Salvador’s rising prison population after the government’s tough crackdown on gangs. The new mega-prisons hold tens of thousands of inmates, and the labour programme now includes construction and maintenance work too. Producing uniforms internally helps the government save money by avoiding private contractors. Supporters say this setup balances prison costs and keeps inmates busy with useful work. Videos from inside the workshops have attracted public attention. Many admire the order and organisation, while some see prison work programmes as a way to lower repeat crimes. Commentators abroad have suggested that similar, well-regulated models could help prison reforms in other countries.