Fisherman insurance scheme 'Beyas Nubeyas' review underway

Efforts have begun to review the income insurance scheme for fishermen, Beyas Nubeyas - one of the key campaign promises of the current government to local fishermen.

Senior Research Officer of Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture Adam Ziyad told Sun Online that thus far, only 20 fishermen from one fishing vessel have signed up for the insurance scheme. He said that efforts have begun to review the scheme - not because the scheme is less popular among fishermen than expected, but because it was part of the plan since the beginning, to conduct a review at this stage.

“We will only know the changes when the review is completed. At this stage we can’t say whether there will be any changes. We are now doing the paperwork, and will soon start discussions with fishermen,” said Ziyad.

He said that once the review is completed, it is likely that fishermen involved in all types of fishing will have the chance of participating in the scheme.

Moreover, the disbursement amount for those who sign up for the scheme is likely to be increased after the review, said Ziyad.

The review of the Beyas Nubeyas scheme will be completed by mid-2015.

The scheme is divided into three categories, based on the size of the fishing vessel. Owners of vessels larger than 65 feet are required to pay a premium of MVR 500 per month, and can collect up to MVR 10,000; while owners of vessels between 45 feet and 65 feet are required to pay a premium of MVR 400 per month and can collect up to MVR 5,000; and owners of vessels smaller than 45 feet are required to pay a premium of MVR 350 per month and can collect up to MVR 3,500.