India blacklists UAE firms with a history of crew abandonment

India blacklists UAE firms with a history of crew abandonment
Sam Chambers April 2nd, 2018 http://splash247.com/india-blacklists-uae-firms-history-crew-abandonment/

India has blacklisted a number of UAE-based crew agents and shipping lines, which have abandoned crew over the last couple of years.

The companies named by India’s Directorate General of Shipping include Shah Al Arab Marine Agency, Enjaz, Azab, Sharjah Moon, Azwa and Alco Shipping Services.

“It has been reported to this Directorate that Indian seafarers are stranded at Dubai for last 22 months due to abandonment by the owners / recruiting agencies… The seafarers are distressed, not paid wages for months not repatriated from after completion of contract,” a release from the directorate stated.

India’s immigration services have also been alerted to bar seafarers from heading to any blacklisted ship.

Authorities in the UAE have in recent months started to crack down on a number of local firms with a history of crew abandonment.

Splash has repeatedly written about the actions of one of the companies blacklisted today, Alco.