In response to the crew change issue that has arise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Philippine Embassy managed to repatriate a total of 537 stranded Filipino seafarers.
In fact on 7 July, crewmembers joined two special passenger flights – Korean Air KE 623 and Asiana Airlines, from Incheon to Manila.
Behind the seafarers’ repatriation was the Philippine Embassy in Seoul along with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other partner government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Manila International Airport Authorities (MIAA), in collaboration with Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
For the records, the Philippine Embassy has already arranged a total of seven special passenger flights and facilitated the return of 1.269 stranded Filipinos.
For as long as the flights from Incheon to Manila remain intermittent, and for as long as there are overseas Filipinos who are stranded here in Korea, the Embassy will continue to arrange special passenger flights. It is our commitment to our Filipinos.
….Charge d’Affaires De Jesus said.
In light of the above, the Philippine Embassy officials presented at the Incheon International Airport to assist the departing overseas Filipinos, while informed the passengers concerning the health protocols upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Overall, speaking of the crew changeover crisis, European and International maritime industry stakeholders urge political leaderships to do everything in their power to promote the facilitation of crew changes by EU Member States and third countries for crew changes to take place without further delays.