Teams from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources have commenced visits to various islands within the Maldives to compile a comprehensive national registry of fishermen. This initiative, spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, aims to ensure that fishermen are officially recognised by the government.
In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Ministry announced the commencement of this significant endeavour. The Ministry emphasised its commitment to implementing the policy set by President Muizzu, which seeks to formalise the status of fishermen across the nation.
Over the weekend, teams from the Ministry will be travelling to different islands to expedite the creation of an accurate and inclusive registry. The primary objective of this registry is to establish fishing as a professional career and a state-recognised source of income. This recognition will facilitate the inclusion of fishermen in the country’s banking system, thereby enabling them to directly receive state benefits and subsidies.
In addition to the on-ground efforts, the Ministry has also opened self-registration for fishermen via the Keyolhu app, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. This digital approach aims to streamline the registration process and ensure wider participation.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has expressed confidence in the swift completion of the fishermen’s registry, underscoring the government’s dedication to supporting the fishing community. The initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to fishermen, enhancing their professional status and improving access to financial services and government support.