10-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met today, Thursday, in his office with the President of the Galali Fishermen’s Association, Mr. Mohammad Jassim Al Dakhil. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the situation of Bahraini fishermen affected by Qatari policies that have disrupted their livelihoods. In this context, both parties praised the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to support fishermen, provide compensation, and assist them in addressing their challenges. This initiative reflects His Majesty’s steadfast approach to safeguarding the welfare and interests of his loyal citizens. The programmes implemented by the Association and its contribution to advancing the marine fishing profession were also reviewed, alongside the roles of government entities and civil society organisations in preserving this traditional occupation, which remains a principal source of income for many Bahraini families. The meeting further addressed joint efforts to protect it as an inherited craft passed down through generations in the Kingdom of Bahrain In this context, Humaidan commended the efforts of the Galali Fishermen’s Association in meeting the aspirations of those engaged in the marine fishing sector, affirming the Ministry’s support for all endeavours aimed at preserving this profession through the development of legislation that safeguards fishermen and protects their Labour rights. For his part, Mr. Al Dakhil praised the Ministry’s support for civil society and professional associations in achieving their developmental objectives. He expressed pride in the government’s sustained interest in the marine fishing sector—a vital pillar of the national economy—and emphasised the importance of intensifying joint efforts to conserve fisheries resources and develop this sector in service of society, through the enhancement of national laws and legislation governing this time-honoured profession.