**Executive Summary**
DGS Circular No. 12 of 2025, issued on April 4, 2025, by the Directorate General of Shipping, informs stakeholders of a visa exemption granted by the Republic of Malta for civilian sea crew members traveling directly from India to join ships berthed in Maltese ports. The exemption is effective immediately, subject to specific conditions. RPSL/Shipping companies need to inform their seafarers of the exemption and ensure they have the required documentation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Visa Exemption:**
* The Republic of Malta has exempted civilian seafarers who proceed to Malta directly from India to join their ships from visa requirements.
* **Conditions for Exemption:**
* The exemption applies to seafarers traveling directly from India to the Republic of Malta to join vessels berthed at Maltese ports.
* Even though the visa is waived, crew members must carry a form endorsed by the Malta Police as a necessary document for transit and boarding.
* **Effective Date and Compliance:**
* The exemption is effective immediately.
* All relevant entities must ensure compliance with the updated regulation.
* **Responsibilities of RPSL/Shipping Companies:**
* RPSL/Shipping companies must ensure seafarers are informed about the exemption.
* They must ensure seafarers are equipped with the necessary documentation when traveling to Malta.
* Companies should liaise with appropriate authorities to facilitate smooth transit for crew members joining ships in Maltese ports.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: All Stakeholders**
* **Impact:** Informed of a recent update communicated by the High Commission of the Republic of Malta concerning visa requirements for seafarers.
* **Action Required:** Note and consider the exemption.
**Stakeholder: RPSL and Shipping Companies**
* **Impact:** Need to ensure awareness and compliance among seafarers.
* **Action Required:** Inform seafarers, equip them with necessary documentation, and liaise with authorities.
**Stakeholder: Hindi Branch for Translation**
* **Impact:** Needs to translate the document.
* **Action Required:** Translate the document.
**Stakeholder: E-Governance Branch**
* **Impact:** Required to disseminate the information online.
* **Action Required:** Upload the circular on the DGS Website.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Shipping: The issuer and regulator implementing the visa exemption.
Republic of Malta: The country for which visa exemptions are being defined.
EU Visa Regulation 2001/539: The regulation under which the Republic of Malta exempted civilian seafarers.
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File No. 23-MIN/212024-CREW -DGS (C. No. 30828) Date: 04.04.2025
DGS Circular No. 12 of 2025
Subicct: Visa Eremption for Civilian Sea Crery N{embcrs Traleling to Republic of Malta to
oin the shi from Maltesc Ports - re
The Directorate General ol Shipping. Government of lndia, extends its regards to all
stakeholders and u,ishes to inform them of the recent update communicated by the High
Cornmission of the Republic of Malta concerning visa requirements for seafarers.
2.
Under Article 4 of the EU Visa Regulation 2001/539, the Republic of Malta has exempted
civilian seafarers u'ho proceed to Malta directly from India, to join their ship which is berthed in
Malta, do not require a visa. This exemption applies under the following conditions:
a. Applicable Personnel: Seat'arers who are travelling directly from India to the Republic of
Malta for the purpose ofjoining vessels berthed at Maltese ports.
b. Required Documentation: Even though the visa requirement is waived, crew members
must carry a form endorsed by the Malta Police. This form will serve as a necessary
document fbr transit and boarding.
c. Effective Date: This exemption is eff'ective irnmediately. and all relevant entities must
ensure compliance with this updated regulation.
3. Further, all the RPS / Shipping Companies must ensure that their seafarers are informed about this
exemption and equipped with the necessary documentation when traveling to Malta. Liaise with
appropriate authorities to facilitate smooth transit for crew members joining ships in Maltese ports.
4.
This issue with the approval ofthe Director General ofShipping. Mumbai
wtd
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(Capt. Daniel J. Joseph)
Dy. Director General of Shipping
To,
l.
All the Stakeholders
2.
RPSL and Shipping Companies.
3- Hindi Branch for Translation
4.
E-Governance Branch for uploading on DGS Website
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