Team Herald
MARGAO: Upon the request of Goan Seafarers Association of India (Goa), NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar has urged Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to extend the validity of standard operating procedure (SOP) beyond October 31, so as to accommodate those who have to undertake international travel for education, employment etc.
In the letter, Adv Sawaikar has also asked for the intervention of the Union Minister, as the matter is of public importance.
Recently, the GSAI had brought to the attention of the NRI Director and also Director of Health Services, Government of Goa that some of the seafarers faced hardship due to the non renewal of the time frame dated October 31, by the Union Minister of Health and Welfare, Government of India.
“The North Goa Deputy Collector had refused to issue a letter to administer a second dose for COVID-19 after completion of 28 days as per the requirements. Due to lapse, it will delay the joining of some seafarers who waited for at least more than one year due to COVID-19 pandemic,” said Frank Veigas, president of GSAI.
He also stated that due to the intervention of the NRI Commissioner, who wrote to Mandaviya, the GSAI hope to see positive reply without any delay, so jobs of our seafarers are protected.
“Goa like many other States of India has a large diaspora and NRIs which include the seafarers. It has come to light that there was a time limit imposed in the MoHFW SOP up to August 31, which was subsequently extended till October 31, but thereafter there has been no extension,” stated Adv Sawaikar.
He further stated that there are a large number of eligible persons, especially seafarers from Goa who intend to undertake international travel after October 31 but are unable to avail the facility of relaxation due to non extension of the date beyond October 31.
