On November 20, 2025, the Indian Union Home Ministry announced the abolition of mandatory sign-on, sign-off, and Shore Leave Pass (SLP) procedures for all Indian vessels operating exclusively in Indian waters. This significant policy change aims to ease compliance burdens and reduce the operational workload for seafarers working on coastal vessels, including dredgers, barges, and research ships.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the decision, highlighting the government’s commitment to empowering seafarers under the leadership of Minister Amit Shah. The move is seen as a necessary response to the routine procedural hurdles that seafarers have historically faced.
The Office Memorandum (No. 25016/19/2024-Imm) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs notes that the existing immigration procedures placed an undue burden on crew members, who had to physically visit immigration offices every 10 days for SLP issuance or extensions. This frequent requirement impeded their ability to perform their duties, particularly during coastal runs.
With the new directive, Indian-flag vessels engaged in coastal operations will no longer require the cumbersome sign-on and sign-off processes. This decision specifically applies to vessels operating within Indian ports and waters, which is expected to streamline operations and reduce the frequency of administrative tasks that previously distracted from essential maritime duties.
Following this change, ports have been instructed to maintain accurate records of crew and supernumerary personnel on Indian-flag coastal vessels. The Bureau of Immigration will conduct surprise inspections and collect crew lists, ensuring that shore access for crew members is managed directly by port authorities rather than through cumbersome procedures.
The memorandum has been signed by Deputy Officer of Immigration Balbir Singh and forwarded to the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways for implementation. The necessary instructions are expected to be circulated among the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) to facilitate the new streamlined protocols.
Overall, this decision represents a significant modernization of maritime regulations in India, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the well-being of those who work in the maritime sector. The abolition of these longstanding requirements is anticipated to improve the working conditions for seafarers while promoting greater efficiency in the operations of Indian coastal vessels.
Source link
