More than MVR 900 million has been disbursed to fishermen under the government’s 48-hour payment policy, introduced last Fishermen’s Day to address long-standing concerns over delayed payments.  
According to statistics from Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), a total of MVR 900,322,300 has been released to fishermen over the past year. The policy was a presidential pledge to ensure payments are made within at least 48 hours.  
In the past, fishermen faced major challenges when the purchase price of fish fluctuated, rising to MVR 25 per kilo during the last presidential election before being reduced to MVR 20. Payment delays often triggered protests across the country. The government later decided to buy fish from MIFCO at international market prices.  
Despite progress on payments, fishermen are currently protesting near Male', accusing the government of failing to deliver on other key promises. The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) says three pledges remain unmet:  
MIFCO to begin buying large fish  
Setting a minimum price of MVR 80 to 100 per kilo for yellowfin tuna  
Supplying fuel at base rate and improving access to ice  
The union said it has repeatedly raised these issues through meetings, statements, and letters to the Ministry of Fisheries, but has yet to see results.  
Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced that construction of a fish processing facility in Hulhumale' will begin next month as part of the government’s efforts to expand the sector.