The battle for the reemployment of 1,130 unemployed fishermen who lost their jobs eight years ago could be over soon.

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, made the announcement during a media briefing at Walvis Bay.

These fishermen, who were previously employed by various fishing companies, lost their jobs as a result of their participation in an illegal strike.

Last year, Cabinet directed the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to issue a public call for competent companies that could offer permanent employment to these workers.

The minister, Derek Klazen, stated that the recruitment process has already commenced following the Cabinet's approval of seven successful fishing companies to employ the fishermen.

"I wish to reiterate this message to the workers who are participating in this programme: that they should bear in mind that the government has really done all it can to ensure that these workers are employed. When a worker loses their job due to misconduct or resigns, that will mean the end of their participation. As such, I want to make it clear that the government will no longer present new opportunities to this group of people if and when they neglect this one."

Klazen added that once an agreement is signed, the companies are expected to pay the salaries of the fishermen by the end of this month.

The Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Utoni Nuyoma, commended the efforts of the line ministries in addressing unemployment in the country.

"We have signed this agreement in order to stabilise the industrial relations in Namibia and also to encourage the employers to strengthen their businesses according to best practises and good governance, as well as the unions that represent the best interests of the workers, so that we work together whenever challenges arise."

Daniel Imbili, the representative of the Fishermen Workers Union, expressed his satisfaction with the latest development.

"From us as trade unions, we feel honoured, and we feel that people, the fishermen, should not make the mistake the second time, and it is well clear that the quota is not for individuals, and it has been agreed between the governments and the companies that if one resigns or is dismissed for misconduct, it remains with the company for that season and it goes back to the government."

The Ministries of Fisheries and Labour will soon sign an agreement with the successful fishing companies, pending the Attorney General's review of the contracts.