A leading shipping operator has called on the government to expedite the processing of work permits for foreign employees, highlighting that existing delays are severely impacting maritime operations and inter-island transportation. During a presentation to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, George Goundar, Managing Director of Goundar Shipping, expressed frustration over the lengthy wait times that foreign crew members often face, which can extend for several months before work permits are granted.
These delays have resulted in vessels being understaffed, hampering operational efficiency and imposing substantial financial and logistical burdens on local businesses. Goundar shared a critical incident where 32 foreign workers were removed from a vessel overnight due to unresolved permit issues, leaving the company struggling to sustain its operations.
“The current situation creates a nightmare for us,” Goundar commented, pointing out that some workers have returned to their home countries after completing their one-year contracts, only to have their approvals processed after their departure. This complicated clearance process for foreign employees, he argued, indicates a need for more streamlined document handling by the government.
Highlighting a broader issue, Goundar noted that the current legal framework for seafarers often misapplies land-based labor laws to maritime workers. He emphasized the urgency for a precise regulatory structure that caters specifically to the unique challenges of maritime employment, facilitating quicker onboarding for foreign maritime professionals.
Currently, Goundar mentioned he has three workers from Bangladesh awaiting approval for their work permits, despite already receiving initial approval for a three-year work period. “It’s been five months without the finalized contract, and I am only granted a three-month period in which to operate them,” he stated.
The Economic Affairs Committee acknowledged these concerns raised by industry stakeholders and has committed to addressing the matter with the appropriate agencies. The hope is that with increased attention to this issue, the government can improve work permit processing times, ultimately supporting the vital maritime sector and ensuring smoother operations for local shipping companies.
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