The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has issued a concerning report highlighting that Indian seafarers faced the highest rates of abandonment for the second consecutive year. In 2025, India recorded an alarming 1,125 abandonments out of a significant global total of 6,223 cases. This issue has reached unprecedented proportions, with notably serious incidents occurring in Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring a deepening crisis within the maritime industry.
The ITF commended the Indian government for implementing proactive measures aimed at protecting its maritime workforce. One significant step has been the blacklisting of irresponsible shipowners who exploit sailors, an action aimed at curbing the alarming trend of abandonment. Despite these measures, the ITF has warned that the issue is part of a broader, systemic problem within the maritime sector that necessitates comprehensive reforms.
There is a growing international consensus on the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement mechanisms. Bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are being called upon to take decisive action to address the exploitation of vulnerable seafarers effectively. The ITF’s report serves as a clarion call for the industry to enhance protections for maritime workers, advocating for reforms that would shield them from abandonment and ensure safer working conditions.
Overall, this situation highlights critical issues faced by maritime workers, particularly in contexts where regulatory oversight may be insufficient. As global demand for tighter regulations increases, stakeholders in the maritime industry are urged to act swiftly to implement necessary changes that will safeguard the rights and welfare of seafarers worldwide.
