Family members of stranded Goan seafarers protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Panaji on April 15, 2020.

Family members of stranded Goan seafarers protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Panaji on April 15, 2020.   | Photo Credit: Atish Pomburfekar


The government is working on a plan to allow seafarers to return to India in three phases.

This includes allowing mariners on ships that are already at Indian ports to disembark when the lockdown is partially eased on April 20.

The standard operating procedure to facilitate return of seafarers is likely to be finalised by Friday, a top source at the Shipping Ministry told The Hindu.

“In the first phase, we will allow seamen on ships docked at the Indian ports to disembark and sign off. In the second phase, those on s