MPs approve financial support for fishermen affected by ban

TDT | Manama

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An urgent proposal to compensate fishermen left idle by Bahrain’s seasonal fishing ban has been approved by Parliament, with MPs backing full financial support for crews barred from catching safi, shaari and andak during restricted months.

The measure, passed yesterday, urges the government to cover income lost during the fishing suspension and calls for wider help to ease financial pressures faced by fishing families.

MP Dr Hisham Al Ashiri, one of five MPs behind the move, said fishermen had faced genuine hardship due to the restrictions.

“A large number of fishermen have suffered direct losses because their work was brought to a halt,” he said. “Fair compensation is needed — something that matches the scale of the damage and helps protect their livelihood.”

The MPs also pressed for the return of a cost-of-living allowance, citing higher costs for fuel, bait, repairs and basic goods.

They argued for the revival of support from Tamkeen, whose earlier programme gave fishermen financial stability.

Fuel prices, they said, had risen sharply, making boat operations increasingly unaffordable.

Direct subsidies or reduced fuel prices were needed to ease costs.

The MPs further argued it was unjust to demand fishermen pay administrative fees and licences during a period when fishing itself was banned.