Gov’t Clears Fishermen’s Payment Backlog

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that fishermen have finally received their long-awaited dues, marking the resolution of a significant backlog of payments totaling hundreds of millions of MVR.

Upon assuming office in November 2023, the new administration disclosed an outstanding backlog of over MVR 250 million owed to fishermen. This delay in payment sparked discontent among fishermen, leading to strikes in February this year. President Muizzu had pledged to resolve the backlog before Ramadan.

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In an announcement made on X, President Muizzu confirmed that the administration had fulfilled its promise.

Shortly after this declaration, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam shared on X that a total of MVR 787 million has been disbursed to fishermen, which includes the substantial backlog inherited from the previous administration.

The delay in payment had prompted fishermen to stage a strike at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) fisheries complex in GA. Koodoo, resulting in its temporary shutdown on February 18. 

The strike was suspended on February 21 following the commencement of payment disbursements by the administration.