The Union External Affairs Ministry has withdrawn the exemption given to seamen who were hitherto permitted to travel abroad without passport.
In a press release issued here, Regional Passport Officer S. Sasikumar said that while the Indian seamen were till now allowed to travel on the basis of identity cards, this provision had been scrapped with effect from January 1. All Indian citizens travelling abroad as crew in sailing vessels must obtain passports from the nearest Indian Passport Issuing Authority in India or abroad.
Further details can be obtained from the website www.passportindia.gov.in or the toll free number - 1800 180 1800.
