The Government has announced a new policy to include all registered fishermen in its national housing loan scheme, aiming to resolve long-standing challenges in securing housing finance for the fishing community.

The policy was revealed during a joint press conference by the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Infrastructure Development and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

Housing Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed confirmed that fishermen will now be eligible across all sectors of the housing loan programme, with plans to extend this scheme to other economic groups, including tourism and agriculture workers. Minister Ahmed highlighted the Government’s commitment to expanding eligibility, with a particular focus on registered fishermen.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam expressed appreciation for this inclusion, noting the barriers many fishermen face in meeting loan eligibility criteria. He also highlighted the recent establishment of a national fisheries registry to streamline support, with 80 per cent of active fishermen identified and registration underway across 15 fishing atolls.

The inclusion of fishermen in the housing loan scheme represents a significant step in addressing housing inequality and supporting the financial security of those working in the Maldives’ fishing sector.