Operations at the Fisheries Complex in Addu City have been brought to a standstill due to ongoing protests by fishermen, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has disclosed. The protests, which commenced on 21 June at the complex’s harbour, have necessitated the deployment of Maldives Police Service (MPS) officers to monitor the situation.
MIFCO has acknowledged the protests and the significant challenges they pose, including threats of employee eviction and disruptions to essential services such as the power supply to accommodation blocks. Consequently, the company has expressed uncertainty regarding when operations at the complex will resume.
Join the protest and raise your voice☝❤#masverin pic.twitter.com/fvGIEENjSI
— 𝔐𝔦𝔯𝔷𝔞𝔞𝔤 (@MirzaagMV) June 22, 2024
The primary demand of the protesting fishermen is the timely payment of outstanding dues owed by the administration. MIFCO has confirmed that collaborative efforts with the government are ongoing to address this issue.
Both MIFCO and the MPS have urged the fishermen to conduct their protests peacefully and within the confines of the law. MIFCO has highlighted the potential impact on company property and employees, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the rights of its workforce.
The backdrop to these protests lies in a substantial backlog of unpaid dues amounting to USD 16 million, inherited by the current administration from its predecessor. Despite the challenges, the government has been proactive in addressing these financial obligations. Recent disbursements to fishermen have totalled USD 57 million, with USD 2.9 million still outstanding.
Efforts are ongoing to navigate these challenges and restore normal operations at the Fisheries Complex. Both the government and MIFCO are committed to ensuring stability and fair treatment for all involved parties, striving to resolve the financial issues that have led to the current unrest
