President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has given a "green signal" that arrangements will be made for fishermen to receive a Ramadan allowance in the future, similar to other workers.
Speaking to the residents of Meedhoo during his ongoing tour of Dhaalu Atoll, the President noted that for the first time in the Maldives' history, members of the Women's Development Committees received a Ramadan allowance this year. He stated that it is his desire to arrange for workers in other professions to also receive the Ramadan allowance in the coming days.
The President expressed his belief that the Ramadan allowance is something that every Maldivian or Muslim working within the system should receive, and added that the government is working towards achieving that goal.
"For example, by facilitating matters legally, God willing, I want to make it so that fishermen also receive the Ramadan allowance in the future," the President said.
Noting that there are many stages to cross in order to provide the Ramadan allowance to fishermen, he stated that announcing the national fishermen's registry is the first step. Furthermore, pointing out that the banking system has not yet recognized fishermen as a group with a continuous and permanent income, the President said that a legally recognized national fishermen's registry was created with the aim of facilitating the allowances and conveniences that should be available to fishermen through the system.
"For those registered in that registry, access to taking loans through the banking system and the STO credit scheme will be facilitated within this year," the President said.
The President concluded his remarks by stating that he hopes arrangements can be made for fishermen to receive the Ramadan allowance without much delay through the ongoing processes. He also expressed his desire to see fishermen receive the Ramadan allowance.
