Fishermen's Welfare at Forefront as Govt Implements Key Manifesto Pledges, Fisheries Minister Says

The government has delivered on key pledges outlined in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's manifesto to safeguard the rights of workers in the nation's fisheries sector, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated. Speaking on the occasion of International Workers' Day, the minister underscored the administration's commitment to addressing long-standing concerns in the industry.

Among the government's most notable achievements, Shiyam said, is the full settlement of USD 16.21 million in arrears owed to fishermen under the previous administration. With these payments now disbursed, affected workers have received the financial compensation long overdue to them, he added.

Timely payments have also been a focus. The administration, the minister stated, has implemented a system ensuring fishermen receive their earnings within 48 hours of delivering their catch—an effort designed to end prolonged delays that have frustrated industry workers for years.

Recognition by the state, the minister added, has provided fishermen new opportunities. For the first time, they are formally classified as individuals engaged in government-recognised employment, he said, a designation that grants them access to financial assistance and banking services typically reserved for those in other established professions.

To support economic stability, the government has facilitated arrangements for fishermen to secure loans, including access to personal financing through the Bank of Maldives (BML). Under the programme, individuals can borrow up to USD 19,464.34, a resource aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of those in the industry.

The government's broader stance on labour rights was reaffirmed as nations observed International Workers' Day on 1 May. Minister Shiyam stressed that empowering workers is integral to national development, ensuring economic growth is sustained across all sectors. Closing his remarks, the minister extended greetings to workers across the country, recognising their contributions as essential to the country's progress.