Organizations unite to protect Indian seafarers from recruitment fraud at ITF Milaap 2026 Expo

Leading maritime and human rights organizations have issued a strong warning to Indian seafarers about the growing threat of recruitment fraud during the ITF Milaap 2026 Seafarers’ Expo in Mumbai.

The ITF Seafarers’ Trust (ITFST), the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) joined forces at the Expo to raise awareness about the serious risks associated with unlicensed recruitment and placement agencies. Over three days, hundreds of seafarers engaged directly with experts, regulators, NGOs, and fellow mariners who shared first-hand accounts of exploitation and fraud.

A central focus of the sessions was the illegal practice of charging seafarers recruitment fees. Captain Nilesh Murdeshwar, Maritime Expert for MACN, presented a case study highlighting corruption in maritime recruitment and emphasised a clear message: seafarers should never pay to secure employment. Charging recruitment or placement fees is illegal under Indian regulations.

Chirag Bahri, ISWAN International Operations Manager, interviewed three seafarers who had each paid more than INR 4 lakh (approximately £4,000 GBP) to unregistered agents. None received the promised employment. Two were left stranded overseas in extremely difficult conditions. All three—and their families—were left facing severe financial hardship, compounded by emotional and physical distress.

Capt. P. C. Meena, Deputy Director General of Shipping, Crew Branch , interviewed by Rakesh Ranjan, South Asia Regional Coordinator of IHRB, outlined the Directorate General of Shipping’s (DG Shipping) efforts to combat illegal recruitment practices. He reiterated that the recruitment and placement of Indian seafarers must be conducted exclusively through DG Shipping-licensed Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies. Under licence conditions, agencies are strictly prohibited from charging seafarers recruitment or placement fees.

Seafarers were urged to verify agency credentials using the official list of licensed RPSL agencies available on the DG Shipping portal. Capt. Meena also advised that seafarers who encounter fraud should immediately file a formal complaint through the DG Shipping grievance redressal mechanism, which triggers investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Mohammed Arrachedi, ITF Flag of Convenience (FOC) Network Coordinator for the Arab World and Iran, reinforced the message, noting that many cases of abandoned Indian seafarers begin with payment to unscrupulous agents for jobs that either do not exist or differ significantly from what was promised.

Luca Tommasi, ITF Grants Manager, said: “We are proud to collaborate with, ISWAN, MACN, IHRB and DG Shipping to ensure seafarers are informed about the risks posed by illegal recruitment agencies. Preventing exploitation starts with awareness, transparency, and strong enforcement.”

Seafarers, families, and maritime stakeholders must remain vigilant, and report suspicious recruitment practices. The participating organisations call on the Indian Directorate General of Shipping to reinforce their efforts against corrupt maritime recruitment agents to ensure that their measures have concrete results in eliminating this corrosive and illegal practice. Collective action – including government, ship operators and crewing agencies - is essential to eliminate corruption and protect the rights, welfare, and livelihoods of Indian seafarers.