International Labor Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) together have made a big announcement in Geneva. On 23 February 2026, the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) completed 20 years. This agreement is a lifeline for millions of people who work for months on end on ships at sea. On this occasion, top officials of the world have promised to further improve the working conditions for seafarers.
What is this agreement and what benefits does the worker get?
This agreement is also called ‘Seafarers’ Bill of Rights’. Its main function is to ensure that no employee working on the ship is discriminated against. Under this, it is necessary to get working hours, right salary, good food and clean place to live. 112 countries of the world have accepted it, which means that more than 96% of the world’s large ships now come under these rules. This rule has proved to be very helpful for Indian sailors and seafarers working in the Gulf.
These new rules will come into effect from December 2027
In this meeting, information was also given about the new amendments which are going to come into effect from December 23, 2027. Under these, it will now be necessary to give the status of ‘Key Workers’ to those working on ships. Apart from this, if a seafarer has to return home (repatriation), his expenses and the facility to carry luggage up to 30 kg have been clarified. Also, it will be mandatory to give ‘Shore leave’ i.e. leave to disembark at the port without any discrimination.
