The Maldives government has made progress in ensuring timely payments to local fishermen. Upon taking office in November 2023, the administration inherited outstanding payments amounting to USD 15 million owed to fishermen. Since then, efforts have been underway to clear these unsettled debts and streamline the process.
During Fishermen’s Day celebrations on 10 December, President Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to processing payments within 48 hours. The government has since made substantial progress towards this goal, with many fishermen now receiving payments within two days of their catch, and in some cases, even the same day.
As of now, over USD 63 million has been disbursed to local fishermen, covering more than 55,000 metric tonnes of fish. This ongoing process has been supported through collaboration with key partners, including the Ministry of Fisheries and the Bank of Maldives, ensuring that payments are processed efficiently.
The swift payment system aims to improve the financial stability of the nation’s fishermen, offering them greater certainty and security. By maintaining this efficient payment process, the government is supporting the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ crucial fisheries sector.
