Muizzu Pledges 48-Hour Payments to Fishermen 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that fishermen holding accounts with the Bank of Maldives (BML) will begin receiving payments within 48 hours.

During his 2023 presidential campaign, President Muizzu pledged to ensure timely payments to fishermen within this period.

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Addressing a rally in K. Gaafaru on Monday morning, President Muizzu stated that the government had signed an agreement with the national bank to enable fishing boats that have opened BML accounts to receive payments within 48 hours of selling their catch.

He noted that this new measure will come into effect on Tuesday, coinciding with National Fishermen’s Day.

The President also confirmed that MVR 32 million in pending payments to fishermen — which he identified as the final outstanding amount — was disbursed earlier on Monday.

While the 48-hour payment system will initially apply only to fishing boats with BML accounts, President Muizzu indicated that efforts are under way to establish a similar arrangement with the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB).