India has recently abolished the long-standing requirements for sign-on, sign-off, and Shore Leave Passes (SLP) for Indian-flag vessels operating solely in domestic waters. This significant change was announced by the Union Home Ministry through a notice directed to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
Previously, seafarers faced considerable challenges due to the obligation of appearing physically at immigration offices to obtain and renew SLPs every ten days. This procedure was disruptive to the normal operations aboard ships engaged in coastal operations. The decision to relax these immigration protocols aims to alleviate the operational burdens that had been impacting the maritime workforce.
Under the new framework, Port Authorities will now oversee the maintenance of updated records for crew members and supernumeraries working on Indian coastal vessels, including barges, dredgers, and research ships confined within port limits. Although the requirement for SLPs has been lifted, the Bureau of Immigration will still conduct periodic surprise inspections and can obtain crew lists directly from these vessels. The regulation of shore access for crew members will now fall under the jurisdiction of the respective Port Authority.
The reform comes in response to extensive reports that highlighted the inefficiencies and difficulties caused by existing immigration practices. Balbir Singh, the Deputy Officer of Immigration, noted that the continual requirement for physical visits was creating operational hurdles. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, praised the reform as a necessary step forward for India’s maritime sector, emphasizing that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is committed to empowering Indian seafarers by discarding outdated procedures.
This revision is expected to enhance the efficiency of coastal operations, reduce administrative delays, and provide greater flexibility for crew members working within port limits. The new system aims to streamline procedures while ensuring adequate oversight through port-level monitoring and periodic checks conducted by immigration authorities.
Overall, the abolition of the SLP requirement is seen as part of a larger effort to modernize India’s maritime regulations, ensuring that they are more aligned with contemporary operational needs while still maintaining necessary oversight and safety protocols.
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