National Fishermen Register Opens Financial Doors for Maldives Fishing Community

The Maldives has completed its National Register of Fishermen, a landmark step toward formal recognition and financial inclusion for the country's fishing community. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced the registry's completion, marking fulfillment of a key campaign promise by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration. The register grants local fishermen official state recognition as professionals, transforming their access to banking services and government support programs. Launched in February 2023, the initiative aims to acknowledge the economic contributions of fishermen while maintaining data on various fishing activities including reef, recreational, and sports fishing. Minister Shiyam confirmed that while initial compilation is complete, registration remains open for new entrants to the profession and those who missed the initial enrollment period. This ensures all fishermen can benefit from the program's advantages. The primary benefit involves integrating fishermen into the formal financial sector. As state-recognized income earners, fishermen can now access bank loan schemes, government housing projects, and credit facilities that were previously more accessible to salaried employees in other sectors. Minister Shiyam emphasized the profound impact on fishing families who often face significant financial pressures. "There is no greater happiness for fishing families. They have to get loans to build houses. They have to get loans to educate their children. They have to get various facilities," he told PSM News, outlining the program's tangible benefits. The registry represents a major shift in how the Maldives supports its traditional fishing industry, moving toward formal economic inclusion for a sector that has long been the backbone of the nation's economy and culture.