The UAE has once again extended the aid for the cause of the seafarers’ welfare via an alliance with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), post constantly championing their rights since the commencement of the pandemic.
Such initiative will aid in the enhancement of the seafarers’ life as well as overcoming the hurdles they face as an outcome of the pandemic and travel constraints.
The UAE is a logistics hub related to the global shipping lines and has the core share of the ships that call on the region’s ports, with more than 21,000 ships every year. Over 20,000 native and global maritime firms operate in the UAE with over 17 million containers handled in the UAE ports annually.
These achievements couldn’t have been followed without the dedication of thousands of seafarers who attain to the UAE’s waters onboard ships from across the world.
Welfare initiatives for seafarers
Furthering their agenda for the protection of seafarers’ rights and welfare, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also launched the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to improve the quality of life for seafarers while they are in the UAE. The initiative protects seafarers’ rights with ship owners and operating companies, as well as helps seafarers overcome the challenges they face as a result of the pandemic and travel restrictions.
Furthering their agenda for the protection of seafarers’ rights and welfare, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also launched the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to develop the quality of life for seafarers while they are in the UAE. The initiative protects seafarers’ rights with ship owners and operating companies, as well as helps seafarers overcome the challenges they face as a result of the pandemic and travel restrictions.
Statement from H.E. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
She stated: “Seafarers are the lifeline of our industry. They are the one the frontlines, facing every calamity and natural disaster and connecting the world via sea routes.”
She also added: “The country was one of the first IMO Member States to designate seafarers as key workers during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic and supported them by facilitating safe ship crew change, repatriation of workers, administering vaccinations, and providing them access to medical care.”
Statement from Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative at the IMO
He stated: “We are confident that our initiatives will have a global impact as thousands of seafarers who come to the UAE will benefit from it. The UAE will be the international benchmark for ensuring the welfare of seafarers and their rights.”
He also added: “Ships that violate the rights of seafarers will not be able to enter the UAE waters, and therefore will not be part of the regional trade centre and the global supply chain and logistics services.” These efforts are in parallel with facilitating the safe exchange of over 24,000 seafarers while providing all necessary medical care and free COVID-19 vaccines.
View our previous post regarding ‘seafarers’ on Source
Press Release Received on Mail
