Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa Seamen Association of India has requested the government to expedite the repatriation process of seafarers while protecting their jobs in the shipping industry.
GSAI president Frank Viegas said the humanitarian crisis is growing amid lock down due to Covid-19.
“Bringing to the attention of various concerned authorities, especially the Government of India needs to fast track movement to repatriate our Indian seafarers from different parts of the world. Seafarers must be able to carry out regular crew change by bringing exceptional regulations that would allow the movement of seafarers that is sign on and sign off,” Frank said.
“The risk of serious consequences of not acting or by delaying the process is growing for government as increasing number of seafarers are struggling with mental health, stress, tiredness, fatigue etc, which can jeopardise the safe operation of the vessel that global trade and billions of people depend on,” the GSAI President said.
Frank requested the government to understand that the time to act is now. They must be focused on actions to ensure that our maritime warriors at sea and ashore are able to get home and those stuck at home can get back to work. The hue and cry of the seafarers and their families will get louder if this issue is not taken seriously to expedite repatriation process and also by protecting job security of seafarers,” he warned.
