Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula has vowed to take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights of seafarers.
In a special message given on the occasion of the International Day of the Seafarer, the transport minister highlighted seafarers are responsible for continuing international trade, which has contributed immensely to human development. Minister Nahula said seafarers take tremendous risks in their work to travel through rough seas and conflict zones at the risk of being attacked by pirates and raiders.
Minister Nahula further noted seafarers have to sacrifice their family life to fulfill their duties by spending years away from their families. She also highlighted the current challenges faced by seafarers due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, noting thousands of seafarers have been unable to return to their families after being stuck in their vessels even after their contracts have expired.
Furthermore, Minister Nahula said trade within the Maldives is based on sea travel, due to its large ocean territory, resulting in hundreds of seamen being active in the country every day. She said there is still work to be done to develop sea trade in the Maldives to the standard recognised by the international shipping community, including work to safeguard the rights of seafarers. She said the government has signed an agreement with Seafarers Rights International, which will allow the government to receive expert advice in drafting laws to safeguard the rights of seafarers.
International Day of the Seafarer recognises the contribution of seafarers to the worldwide commerce and economic system and is celebrated every year on June 25 to spread awareness about the work and lives of seafarers.