The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) has called for the immediate return of the Indian seafarers who have been stranded at the Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, for 11 months. The FSUI has called for their immediate return to India and payment of their unpaid wagers.
The MV Sea Star 2 is an oil product tanker, and the Directorate General of Shipping has previously received complaints that were associated with the Indian seafarers abroad, including the allegations that were concerned with unpaid salaries.
According to Siasat.com, taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, FSUI tweeted that the seafarers had not received their wages for the past five months and alleged that the vessel’s owner deducted their visa and payment made to the crew earlier.
“Indian seafarers of MV SEA STAR 2 stranded for 11 months. No wages for the last 5 months. The owner deducted even their own visa & travel costs from earlier payments. Documents under Port Authority control. Extreme exploitation. Urgent sign-off, 5 months unpaid, 11 months no relief. They seek full wages + immediate repatriation,” the FSUI posted.
Furthermore, it has been alleged by FSUI that the documents of seafarers were being held by the port authorities, and called for their sign-off and return to India. It said that the crew sought their pending wages to be paid in full and asked for their repatriation.
Meanwhile, the union asked the Ministry of External Affairs, the Directorate General of Shipping, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to intervene and help the seafarers. It further asked the International Transport Workers’ Federation to assist the crew and help them resolve the issue.
Responding to this, the Embassy of India situated in the UAE said that it was closely coordinating with local authorities on the welfare and return of the seafarers who are stranded.
It further said that the seven seafarers had already been returned and efforts are being made for the safe and early return of those who are still stranded.
“The Embassy is closely following up with local authorities on the welfare and early repatriation of Indian seafarers stranded aboard SEA STAR 2. Seven seafarers have already been repatriated, and efforts are underway for the safe and early repatriation of the remaining seafarers,” the embassy tweeted.
The update was announced by the embassy as FSUI asked for the remaining crew and the allegations they have put forth for the wages.
