EU recognise seafarers as essential workers

Published: 18 July 2024

In a significant step towards strengthening the European Union's border management, the EU Council and the Parliament have reached an agreement to update the Schengen Borders Code. This update is designed to enhance coordination within the EU and equip member states with better tools to address challenges at both external and internal borders, particularly during future health emergencies.

A major highlight of the agreement is the classification of seafarers as essential workers. BIMCO welcomes this development as we have advocated widely for seafarers to be granted internationally recognised privileges by convention to facilitate unhindered movement between their home and ship.

This move by the EU ensures that seafarers are included in the list of exemptions from entry restrictions to the EU in the event of large-scale health emergencies.

The amendments to Regulation (EU) 2016/399 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (the Schengen Borders Code) were published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 20 June 2024 and entered into force on 11 July 2024 - see here for more details: L_202401717EN.000101.fmx.xml (europa.eu)

At BIMCO we will continue to encourage other states to recognise seafarers as key workers in recognition of their crucial role to world trade and society at large.

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