Indian-flagged vessels to get surprise immigration bureau visits

India's Bureau of Immigration has been authorised to conduct "periodical surprise inspections" on certain Indian-flagged vessels and "seek crew lists" from them.

"(This applies to) coastal run vessels, dredgers/barges, research vessels, and similar types/categories of vessels operating within port limits," read an official memo signed by Deputy Officer (Immigration) Balbir Singh on Thursday.

This follows the interior ministry's decision to "do away with" the coastal sign-on or sign-off and the Shore Leave Policy (SLP) procedures for the Crew/Supernumerary of Indian-flagged coastal-run vessel types mentioned here.

This follows complaints from Indian seafarers about difficulties with the existing immigration procedures, as the existing policies mandated that crew members were to be physically present at the immigration office for the issuance of the SLP, as well as its extension every 10 days.

The interior ministry has also directed the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) to direct port authorities to keep records of "the Crew/Supernumerary of the Indian Flag coastal run vessels".

"The shore access of Crew/ Supernumerary of Indian Flag Coastal Run Vessels shall henceforth be regulated by the Port Authority," the interior ministry's statement added.

Calling it a "major milestone" in maritime welfare, Union shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that it would help all Indian seafarers working on around 800 vessels and Indian shipowners "by reducing operational delays, simplifying compliance and boosting coastal shipping efficiency".

"This ends the hardship of Indian seafarers for repeated immigration reporting ensuring uninterrupted duties & safety onboard," Sonowal added, declaring that abolishing these "outdated rules" was an important step towards strengthening India's maritime sector.