New Delhi | 07 February 2025: A significant meeting took place today at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), attended by officials from the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), FRROs, Intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), and representatives from the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping). The discussion centered around streamlining the process for shore leave and crew changes in Indian ports, with a focus on revising existing regulations to benefit both Indian and foreign seafarers.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Revision of Visa Manual for Shore Leave:

Amend the term "Seamen" to "Seafarer" for inclusivity.

Introduction of digital transformations for shore leave issuance, with trials already in progress.

Proposal to integrate seafarers’ BSID (Biometric Seafarer Identity Document) data into the MHA's shore pass system for fast, passport-free issuance of passes.

Online applications for foreign seafarers via agents, with passes issued for a period of 7 days, renewable daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.

2. Standardization of Shore Leave Procedures:

A uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for shore leave, prepared by DG Shipping, is set to be reviewed and officially notified by the MHA for compliance across all Indian ports.

Notices will be issued to Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) to ensure compliance with the new SOP.

Shore leave passes will include supernumeraries, with or without CDCs.

3. Facilitating Foreign Crew Changes:

Provisions for foreign crew sign-on/off with a transit visa valid for up to 7 days for joining vessels.

Emergency shore leave for medical cases, regardless of nationality (except those from countries with travel bans).

4. Special Provisions for Demolition Vessels:

DG Shipping requested special consideration for shore leave and crew changes for seafarers aboard demolition vessels, regardless of nationality.

A separate SOP will be developed and shared with the MHA for inclusion in the visa manual.

The meeting resulted in several actionable items aimed at enhancing the seafarer experience in Indian ports, with official minutes to be released by the MHA for further implementation. These changes are set to standardize processes, boost efficiency, and improve the welfare of seafarers visiting Indian shores.