The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has underscored the significance of compiling a fishermen's register, particularly highlighting its role in curbing the outflow of money from the Maldivian economy, attributed to the rising presence of foreign workers in the fishing industry.
The surge in foreign employment within the Maldivian fishing sector, propelled by regulatory amendments by the previous administration, has led to an increase in the proportion of funds outflowing from the country. The adjustment to the purchase price of fish from MVR16 to MVR17, also attributed to the financial outflow notably rising due to the influx of foreign fishermen.
To address this concern, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has taken the decision to implement a comprehensive register of fishermen, with the fisheries ministry gearing up to launch this vital initiative.
In a programme on PSM News, the Director General of the Fisheries Ministry, Dr. Hussain Sinaan, stated that the official launch of the register is slated for February 16. Dr. Sinaan highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the register, envisioning it as a tool to effectively manage subsidies for fishermen. The ministry is actively working on necessary adjustments to ensure that financial assistance reaches those most in need.
The fisheries ministry believes the fishermen's register will be a transformative step in streamlining the rights of fishermen and alleviating hurdles they face.