India has successfully repatriated 101 seafarers from various ports in West Asia and the Persian Gulf, following concerns about their abandonment. The Director General of Shipping has established a 19-member quick response team to facilitate immediate assistance and evacuation for stranded Indian seafarers. Capt. PC Meena, who leads this team, confirmed that these individuals were employed on 14 foreign-flagged vessels and were left without support in locations such as Sharjah, Tartus, and Hamad.
The repatriation occurred between February 24 and March 3, amidst escalating tensions in the region. A directive from Shyam Jagannathan, the Director General of Shipping, emphasized the need for a coordinated response to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals amid the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Persian Gulf. The quick response team is tasked with liaising with various stakeholders, including shipping companies and Indian Missions abroad, to ensure timely communication and support for affected seafarers.
Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), abandonment occurs when shipowners neglect their obligations to seafarers, including failing to provide necessary support and repatriation. The Directorate General of Shipping has intensified regulatory measures to combat this issue, tightening compliance for recruitment and placement service licensees. Recent actions have led to the resolution of several cases, ensuring the safe repatriation of seafarers and payment of outstanding wages.
