Brazilian ports are banning seafarers from taking shore leave or joining commecial ships
Immigration authorities in Santos and in some Brazilian ports are banning seafarers of certain nationalities from taking shore leave or even repatriating from/joining commercial ships. Local immigration is targeting seafarers holding seaman’s books issued by countries who have not signed up to the ILO (International Labour Organisation) Convention 108, such as the Philippines.
According to information received by the Brazilian Ship Agency and Owners Association (FENAMAR), the situation regarding Filipino crew members on vessels calling at Santos has been normalised. The same procedure is being adopted as in Rio de Janeiro and Vitoria. This means that Filipino crew members onboard ships calling at port as part of an international voyage will be allowed to go ashore and sign on/off by presenting a valid seaman’s book issued from the Maritime Authority of their country of nationality or ship’s flag, together with a valid passport. For crew members from other nationalities, a valid seaman’s book issued by a country that is party to ILO’s C 108 or a passport with valid visa V (working visa) will be requested.
Free translation:
“As determined by the General Coordinator of the Immigration, located at Brasilia (Brazilian Capital/D.C.), and as contacts maintained with Santos Immigration (DEPOM), there is no more restrictions on the crew change of Filipino seafarers. The Filipino seafarers who present a valid passport will be allowed to embark/disembark at the port of Santos. The Santos Immigration (DEPOM) regulate and adjust themselves in order to apply this new procedure and make sure it is done within the law and its specificities.”
Source: GAC Hot Port News
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