The Union Home Ministry has abolished long-standing requirements of sign-on, sign-off and Shore Leave Passes (SLP) for all Indian vessels operating exclusively in Indian waters, marking a major relief for seafarers facing routine procedural hurdles.

Minister says move empowers seafarers

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed the decision and posted on social media, "Modi Govt stands strong with India’s Seafarers! Towards empowering our Seafarers, Union Home Ministry under the decisive leadership of Shri Amit Shah ji has abolished decades-old requirements of sign-on, sign-off and Shore Leave Passes (SLP) for all Indian vessels exclusively operating in Indian waters."

Home Ministry cites difficulties faced by crew

According to the Office Memorandum (No. 25016/19/2024-Imm) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in November 2025, the existing immigration procedures had become a significant burden for crew members.

The memorandum states that Indian seafarers were required to be physically present at immigration offices for SLP issuance and extensions every 10 days. This repeated requirement, it notes, created operational difficulties for crew members during coastal runs and affected their ability to discharge duties onboard.

SLP and sign-on/sign-off procedures discontinued

After reviewing the matter, the Ministry decided to discontinue coastal sign-on, sign-off and SLP procedures for crew and supernumerary personnel on Indian-flag coastal vessels. This includes dredgers, barges, research vessels and similar categories operating within port limits.

The discontinuation applies exclusively to Indian-flag vessels engaged in coastal operations.

Ports told to maintain crew records

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MOPS&W) has been asked to instruct port authorities to maintain data on all crew and supernumerary personnel on Indian-flag coastal vessels.

The Bureau of Immigration will carry out periodic surprise inspections and collect crew lists from such vessels. Shore access for crew members will now be regulated directly by the respective port authorities.

Circular forwarded for implementation

The memorandum, signed by Deputy Officer (Immigration) Balbir Singh, has been forwarded to the Joint Secretary (Ports), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, for implementation. The Bureau of Immigration has been directed to circulate the instructions to all Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) for the neccassary action.