18 Kenyans Stranded on Cruise Ship Due to SID Policy Implementation

A recent docking of a Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) cruise ship in East African ports has resulted in eighteen Kenyan crew members being denied entry into Mexico.

The ship has become entangled in a complex situation involving immigration requirements imposed by Mexico and three other countries. Mexico, Brazil, Florida, and the Caribbean have introduced new immigration regulations for seafarers, citing security concerns and the need to combat human trafficking disguised as crew members. These regulations are in line with international labour standards, reflecting a global effort to protect the rights and safety of maritime workers.

This action mirrors similar requirements imposed by the US and Canada, which mandate the possession of a Seafarers' Identity Document (SID) for crew members entering or leaving vessels. However, the Kenyan government's delay in implementing these conventions puts the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyan seafarers at risk.
The SID, endorsed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), serves as a universal identification system for seafarers and has recently been upgraded to include biometric features. Its implementation aims to strengthen security measures and combat human trafficking in the maritime industry.

To ensure the well-being of seafarers, the Kenyan government is being urged to promptly adopt international laws that create a favourable environment for maritime workers. After Kenya ratified the SID Convention in February 2022, there was hope for its swift implementation. However, despite national discussions and approaching deadlines, the enforcement of the convention has been delayed, putting Kenyan crew members at risk of losing their jobs and facing travel restrictions. Due to ILO regulations requiring possession of the SID beginning on 2 May this year, Kenyan crew members may be excluded from 185 countries that are bound by the convention.

This poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of over 1.5 million seafarers worldwide who are involved in international trade. In response to these concerns, the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) assures that they are working on resolving the issuance process for the SID. Chairman Hamisi Mwaguya confirms that this effort is almost complete and emphasizes KMA's dedication to protecting the interests of Kenyan seafarers. Furthermore, KMA highlights the importance of collaborating with licensed Recruitment and Placement Agents to prevent exploitation by dishonest entities.

Measures are being put in place to verify the legitimacy of online recruiters and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. To streamline recruitment processes and combat illegal practices, KMA has identified 11 licensed companies that are responsible for recruiting and placing Kenyan seafarers. Steps have been taken to confirm the legitimacy of hiring representatives and minimize any possible dangers.