Unpaid dues to fisherman piles up again to reach 62 million

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has said that MVR 62 million has not been paid to fishermen to date from 23rd last month.

Replying to a question from a journalist at a press conference held by the Ministry on Sunday, the Minister said that the money due to the fishermen has been paid till April 22.

When the last payment was made to the fishermen, MVR 22 million was paid and since this government took over, MVR 881 million has been paid to the fishermen, he said.

The Minister said that he is working to pay the fishermen as soon as possible, but MIFCO also faces financial difficulties at the end of the month.

"We are hoping to pay the money to the fishermen as soon as possible, but at the end of the month, MIFCO will also have financial difficulties. But I am hoping to pay the money to the fishermen as soon as possible”.

He said both MIFCO and the government are working to pay the fishermen their dues.

“The Finance Minister also gives high priority to reducing government expenditure and pays special attention to paying bills,” he said.

He said the state is working to improve its financial situation and if it gets a reprieve, it will be easier for MIFCO. With that, it will be easier for the company to release the money owed to the fishermen, he said.

The fishermen were not paid their dues last February. There was also a protest in Kooddoo following pending dues. The protests stopped after MIFCO paid the fishermen most of the money owed.