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28th November 2024, Mumbai – The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) have released a new report shedding light on the widespread issue of recruitment fraud in India’s maritime sector. The report, titled: “The Impact of Recruitment Fraud on Indian Seafarers – A joint study by GMU and ISWAN”, uncovers how illegal recruitment practices are damaging the lives and careers of thousands of Indian seafarers and their families, trapping them in cycles of debt, exploitation, and dangerous working conditions.

India, as one of the world’s leading providers of seafarers with a workforce of around 250,000, continues to see many of its seafarers fall prey to unregistered agents. Despite the safeguards of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), these agents lure seafarers with promises of jobs at sea, often in exchange for a significant fee. Often, these jobs either do not exist or involve working on substandard, unseaworthy ships. As a result, seafarers are left stranded overseas, unpaid, and without the means to return home.

Simon Grainge, Chief Executive of ISWAN, highlighted the urgency of addressing recruitment fraud and its devastating effects on seafarers and their families. Sharing his insights, he stated:

“Seafarers lead a precarious existence. Not only do they face danger, fatigue, and isolation, but they also have very little job security. It is appalling that the very people who keep the world’s supply chains running are exploited by unscrupulous agents, whose actions severely impact seafarers and the families who depend on them. This report highlights the depth and scale of the problem while also offering recommendations to eliminate this practice. ISWAN will be working with our partners to do everything in our power to protect seafarers and their families.” 

The report draws attention to systemic gaps in India’s regulatory framework that allow fraudulent agents to operate with little fear of repercussions. Many agents continue to charge illegal fees, exploiting young and inexperienced seafarers’ urgent need to find work. ISWAN’s team in India has been at the forefront of addressing this issue since launching a dedicated campaign in 2018 to discourage Indian seafarers from signing up with unregistered crewing agencies. Since then, ISWAN has assisted over 1,000 seafarers who have fallen victim to recruitment fraud, many of whom report paying exorbitant service charges only to be abandoned without jobs, wages, or legal recourse.

Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Provost (I/C) of GMU, expressed his support for the study, emphasizing its role in raising awareness and advocating for legal reforms. He shared:

“The research aims to understand the issue of recruitment fraud better and raise awareness among the general public, government and other stakeholders about the challenges that seafarers duped by fraudulent agents face in seeking justice. I am confident that the study will support advocacy efforts to improve the existing legal systems and sensitise stakeholders across the maritime and law enforcement domains.” 

The report provides several recommendations aimed at tackling recruitment fraud. Key among them are stricter penalties for unregistered agents, improved legal protections for seafarers, and better education on safe recruitment practices. It also highlights the need for closer alignment between maritime training programmes and actual job opportunities, as many seafarers are left with qualifications that do not meet industry requirements, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Additionally, the study advocates for the creation of a designated support fund to assist seafarers who have been abandoned abroad or stranded on unsafe vessels. This fund would provide a safety net for those who are currently left to fend for themselves in foreign ports, often with no way to return home. ISWAN is committed to continuing this crucial work by collaborating with partners and stakeholders to explore practical ways to implement the recommendations outlined in the report, ensuring that the seafarers receive the much needed support.

Read more about the joint study by GMU and ISWAN here.