President Trump’s executive order restricting entry to the US by citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries could impact the shipping sector, say P&I Clubs.
“As the order bans all immigrants or non-immigrant entry of citizens from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran and Libya for the next 90 days, crewmembers aboard ships entering US waters who are citizens of these countries will be denied entry to the US,” said The Standard Club.
“At this time, it is not believed that ships carrying crew from these countries will be denied entry into US ports.
“However, members should anticipate that shore leave will be denied for those crewmembers and that enhanced security of the ship, including the use of armed guards, may be ordered by local immigration officials while the ship is in a US port.”
The Standard Club said the executive order may also affect crew replacements in the US and members should avoid crew changes in the US involving crew from the seven affected countries, regardless of their visa status, for the next 90 days.
In the case of a medical emergency, there is an exception under the executive order that may allow the crewmember to be removed from the ship for medical treatment.
“The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, may, on a case-by-case basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked,” the exception reads.
Thus, The Standard Club says government authorities may be able to use the exception to allow the crewmember to be treated in the US.
