PANJIM: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the repatriation of 7000-plus Indian seafarers stranded abroad for the past two months.
An order issued by the Under Secretary (Immigration), Foreigners Division, MHA, refers to the May 8 letter from Ministry of Shipping on permission for repatriation of Indian crew or seafarers employed on cruise ships stranded around the world and states, “The matter has been considered. It is requested that the Ministry of Shipping may ensure that all these 7000-odd Indian seafarers/crew members are duly registered on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) web portal meant for such stranded Indians in need of repatriation.”
The order further says the nearest Indian mission may put them in appropriate repatriation flights as provided in MHA SOP. “The competent authority in the MEA is also requested to consider the matter so that aforementioned SOP is
followed in letter and spirit especially regarding post landing screening and quarantine facilities in co-ordination with the State governments concerned,” the order states.
Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik has welcome the Centre’s decision on repatriation of seafarers. Thanking the minster and ministry he said, “Now way is paved for returning the seafarers back to their homeland soon and safely.”
