A Welcome Change for India’s Maritime Workforce
Good news for Indian seafarers! Immigration authorities at several major airports across India have now introduced dedicated immigration counters exclusively for seafarers and CDC holders. This move aims to make the travel experience smoother and faster for maritime professionals who often face tight joining or sign-off schedules.
Why This Change Matters
Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, spending months away from home to keep the world’s supply chains running. Yet, many have long faced delays at airports — standing in long queues at immigration after exhausting journeys or before critical ship-joining deadlines.
Recognizing this, Indian airport and immigration authorities have rolled out exclusive “Seafarers / CDC Holders” counters at select airports, ensuring quicker processing and specialized handling of documentation related to crew movement.
Where You’ll Find These Counters
These dedicated counters have already been spotted at:
- Mumbai International Airport (CSMIA) – Terminal 2 now features a separate section for “Seafarers / CDC Holders.”
- Chennai International Airport – Seafarer queues available at the departure immigration area.
- Cochin International Airport – Similar dedicated arrangements for crew members joining vessels.
- Delhi IGI Airport (Terminal 3) – Special lane or counter for CDC holders during high-traffic hours.
- Kolkata and Goa Airports – Reported to have designated lines for seafarers in certain shifts.
At most airports, these counters are located at the last few booths in the immigration area, clearly marked with signboards reading “Seafarers / CDC Holders.”
What You’ll Need
To use the dedicated counter, seafarers should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
- Company Letter of Employment / Joining Instructions
- Valid Visa and Travel Ticket
- Boarding Pass
The Impact
This change has been welcomed widely within the maritime community. Not only does it save valuable time, but it also acknowledges the vital contribution of Indian seafarers to the nation’s economy and global trade.
By simplifying the immigration process, authorities are taking a step toward better welfare and recognition of Indian seafarers, who number over 250,000 globally and continue to make India one of the world’s top seafarer-supplying nations.
Final Thoughts
A small step, but a meaningful one — separate immigration counters for seafarers reflect growing respect and awareness for the maritime profession in India. It’s a positive signal that authorities are listening to the community’s needs and working to ease their travel experience.
So next time you’re at the airport, look for the “Seafarers / CDC Holders” sign — and sail through immigration with ease!
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