Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam today firmly rejected Channel 13’s report alleging that Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has been “blacklisted and banned in Europe and the UK after failing an audit,” labeling the claim “an outright lie”. In a statement on X, Shiyam clarified that neither the EU nor UK has imposed any blacklist on MIFCO—or any active Maldivian fishing enterprise.
He emphasized that such baseless reports jeopardize the welfare of thousands of Maldivian families who depend on fishing as their primary source of income. “Fishing is the lifeblood of Maldivians”, he wrote, denouncing the broadcast as “a very irresponsible act of journalism” that risks creating undue hardship.
To underscore confidence in the sector, the minister revealed that “even next week, a major UK buyer is coming to the Maldives to discuss a business agreement with MIFCO”. This planned engagement serves as tangible evidence of sustained international demand for Maldivian fish.
While Channel 13 attributes the alleged blacklist to an audit failure, no official records from the European Commission, UK Food Standards Agency, or other trade authorities corroborate any such restrictions. In contrast, MIFCO—Maldives’ flagship state-owned fisheries processor—has recently faced internal governance scrutiny, including the temporary suspension of its CEO amid corruption investigations . However, these issues have not impacted its export relationships.
Fishing remains a pillar of the Maldivian economy, with MIFCO processing hundreds of tonnes of tuna daily and maintaining robust trade links across Europe and the UK. Despite challenges—including significant losses and operational inefficiencies—MIFCO continues to hold ISO and HACCP certifications, underpinning its compliance with international food safety standards .
Minister Shiyam’s announcement aims to restore clarity and trust in the MIFCO brand abroad, countering misleading local headlines. The upcoming UK delegation’s visit is expected to further solidify trade channels and reassure domestic stakeholders of the company’s standing.
In sum, Shiyam’s forceful rebuttal and disclosure of a forthcoming UK buyer visit serve to counter unwarranted alarm by Channel 13, reaffirming both MIFCO’s export credibility and the sector’s vital role in Maldivian society.
