In a significant move to formalise and empower the nation's fishing community, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam has announced the completion of the National Register of Fishermen.
Minister Shiyam declared that the registry, a key presidential initiative, will grant local fishermen official state recognition as professionals, unlocking access to vital financial services and government support.
Launched on 16 February last year, the register fulfills a campaign pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, which placed special priority on acknowledging the economic contributions of fishermen. The Ministry will also manage data on related activities, including reef fishing, recreational fishing, and sports fishing.
According to the Minister, the compilation of the fisheries register has now been completed, adding that the process remains open for new entrants to the profession and those who may have missed the initial registration window.
The primary outcome of this registration is to integrate fishermen into the formal financial sector. By being identified as state-recognised income earners, fishermen will now be able to access various loan schemes from local banks, housing projects initiated by the government, and other credit facilities previously more readily available to salaried employees in other sectors.
Minister Shiyam emphasised the profound impact this will have on fishing families, who often face substantial financial burdens.
“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 said, outlining the tangible benefits of the programme.