In a meeting held at the President’s Office on May 19, 2025, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu engaged with representatives from the Maldivian fishing community to discuss ongoing reforms and address concerns within the fisheries sector. The dialogue underscored the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ، ކެއުޅުންނާ ބައްދަލުކުރެއްވުން pic.twitter.com/hGVP9Cfs8Y
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) May 19, 2025
Progress on Payment Reforms
Fishermen expressed appreciation for the government’s implementation of the 48-hour payment system, a policy introduced on December 10, 2024, ensuring timely compensation for their catch. This initiative has been credited with increasing fish catches and exports in the first quarter of 2025, reversing previous declines.
Addressing Pricing and Infrastructure
During the meeting, union representatives reiterated their request to maintain the fish purchasing price at MVR 20 per kilogram, aligning with the government’s earlier pledge. President Muizzu reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to supporting fishermen’s livelihoods.
Additional proposals from the fishing community included facilitating access to fuel at State Trading Organization (STO) rates, introducing digital weighing scales, expanding fish weighing stations, and installing more Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). The union also suggested establishing a system for daily payments for weighed fish and providing Ramadan bonuses to fishermen.
Government’s Ongoing Initiatives
President Muizzu highlighted the introduction of bank loan facilities tailored for fishermen and assured that the government would continue working to improve and expand access to financial support. He also reiterated the administration’s dedication to enhancing ice plant facilities, as outlined in the Presidential Address, confirming that ongoing projects aimed at increasing capacity would be completed as planned.
On the matter of Ramadan bonuses, President Muizzu expressed his intention to extend this benefit to all eligible workers, including fishermen. He emphasized that such allowances should be distributed through a structured framework based on the official fishermen’s registry and encouraged the union to view the matter constructively.
Collaborative Path Forward
The meeting concluded with President Muizzu reaffirming his commitment to working closely with stakeholders in the fisheries sector to resolve challenges and support the continued development and prosperity of the industry. The administration’s ongoing efforts aim to modernize the sector, enhance sustainability, and ensure that the fishing community remains a vital part of the Maldivian economy.
