Seafarers are amongst those workers experiencing the disruption caused by travel bans implemented by governments hoping to stem the spread of the COVID-19. Reports have surfaced that workers are having to continue to work under expired contracts as they are unable to return home. Whilst some are reportedly receiving wages, seafarers globally face challenging conditions and are unable to disembark from ships at ports due to lock-down measures.

Industry bodies have called for seafarers to be exempt from travel bans, calling on governments around the world to recognise the significance of their work to enable global supply chains to continue uninterrupted. In a joint letter to UN agencies overseeing maritime regulations and labour law, the Global Maritime Transport Industry asked that seafarers be regarded as key workers to enable them to leave and return to their ships.