State bodies organized transfer to the ship in the Netherlands for three Montenegrin seafarers. The same number will return to Montenegro. A new group of three or four seafarers will depart for Belgium on 30 April. Only small groups of seafarers are being organized so far. Larger ones might be expected as of 15 May, when we expect certain decisions at the level of the European Union, EU, to be made.
“There will be three seafarers in the first group, and they will return to MNE. The second group should be organized on 30 April. This all refers solely to EU waters as the procedure is being carried out in line with the current situation in them. It’s the first corridor we managed to prepare along with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a temporary solution. The whole process has been coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, that is, its relevant directorate, and it’s very important to mention,“ Mr Nenad Lazović of the Association of Agencies for the Mediation in Recruitment of Seafarers, told CdM.
According to him, seafarers were not required to test for the coronavirus, which doesn’t mean they won’t be asked to do so afterwards.
Mr Lazović also noted that small groups have been organized for safety reasons, while larger ones might be expected as of 15 May, adding that coronavirus testing after that date will be mandatory.
The Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs has confirmed that, in collaboration with the Institute, they will ensure all seafarers to be tested in case of need.
