Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Panama (Ratification: 1970)

Other comments on C108

Observation

2015

Direct Request

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Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention. Permit for entry and readmission to the territory. In its previous comments, recalling that the visa requirement for seafarers is inconsistent with the principles of free admission to a territory (for purposes of shore leave) and right of return, the Committee requested the Government to adopt the necessary measures in order to ensure that foreign seafarers holding a valid seafarer’s identity document may enjoy these rights in conformity with the Convention. The Committee notes that, in its report, the Government refers to legislation already examined by the Committee and reiterates that such legislation is justified by the need to guarantee effective security policies in the country. The Committee recalls once again that, under Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention, the seafarer’s identity document is the sole document needed for the seafarer to enter the territory of any State party to the Convention and to return to the issuing State even after the expiry of the document. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into conformity with the Convention.