Indian seafarers delay homecoming amid 21-day lockdown

Source: Originally published on: /03/2020 Indian seafarers are advised not to sign off from their ships and return to India after completing their contracts, except in an emergency, due to the 21-day nationwide lockdown in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. There is criticism that the Indian government has simply abandoned these people Seafarers at the end of their contracts are asked not to return to India as borders are tightened for the nation’s 21-day lockdown. However, port-related activities are considered essential services and will not be suspended INDIAN seafarers are facing a precarious situation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed a nationwide lockdown for a minimum of 21 days in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The government has advised Indian seafarers working overseas either on Indian or foreign ships not to sign off after completing their contracts and return to India — except in an emergency — citing restrictions imposed by the government on international and domestic travel to check the spread of coronavirus. “In view of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the process of sign-off and repatriation of seafarers has been affected the world over due to travel restrictions imposed by various countries,” director general of shipping Amitabh Kumar said in a statement...

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