Tankiti Jumpakag
September 16,2024
Traveling abroad to join a vessel is a routine part of life for seafarers. In most cases, the journey goes smoothly. However, there are instances when seafarers may face the unexpected situation of being detained at the immigration checkpoint in a foreign airport. If this happens, here are the steps seafarers should take to manage the situation and ensure they can continue their journey safely.
Seafarers can minimize the risk of problems at immigration checkpoints by informing their company in advance of any relevant travel history. If a seafarer has previously encountered issues entering a certain country, such as being deported or having a visa denied, even if it happened over a decade ago, it is essential to notify the company immediately. This allows the company to plan accordingly, either by rerouting the seafarer to board the vessel in another country or by addressing any visa issues beforehand.
It's important to understand that sharing such information is not a reason for concern about potential termination. In fact, the company is likely to appreciate the transparency and will do its best to assist. Withholding key information, on the other hand, could lead to problems later, possibly jeopardizing the seafarer's employment.
If a seafarer finds themselves detained at immigration in a foreign airport, the first course of action is to contact the local agent responsible for their arrival. The agent's contact information should be included in a letter of guarantee provided by the company, which could be in the form of an email or letter containing the agent's details and how to reach them.
If the seafarer is unable to contact the agent on their own, they can request assistance from immigration officials at the airport. In most cases, agents are aware of the seafarer's arrival time and are already waiting at the airport to ensure a smooth transfer to the vessel.
If detained at immigration, the key is to remain calm and focus on contacting the local agent as quickly as possible. Agents are well-equipped to help seafarers resolve such issues efficiently. Proper preparation and early communication with the company about any potential immigration concerns will help reduce the chances of encountering these problems. Wishing all seafarers safe travels, with no future incidents of detainment at immigration.