MLSD Minister: Many families still depend on the sea as the only source of income for their livelihood

22-12-2020

His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, emphasised that the livelihood of the people of Bahrain has been linked to the sea for many decades, and that it was the main profession on which fathers and grandfathers relied until the discovery of oil led some to pursue other professions. However, many families have continued and inherited the fishing profession as their primary profession, and the sea has remained their source of income. He noted the importance of ensuring their safety when practising their profession at sea, which is their only source of livelihood. He pointed out the importance of restoring the conditions that have been known for successive generations, by the State of Qatar allowing Bahraini sailors to fish in Qatari waters up to the Qatari‑Emirati border, and in return, the Kingdom of Bahrain allowing Qatari sailors to fish in Bahraini waters up to the Bahraini‑Saudi border. Humaidan commended the royal directives for the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain to compensate Bahraini sailors harmed by the measures taken by the Qatari authorities. He affirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has implemented the royal directives within its remit and will not hesitate to do everything possible to preserve the rights of fishermen. Humaidan highlighted the importance of direct bilateral negotiations with Qatar to reach an agreement on continuing to allow fishermen in both countries to practise their trade, in accordance with decades‑old custom, in a way that benefits citizens of both nations and strengthens joint Gulf co‑operation.