Ukrainian sailors allowed to travel abroad to work

The duration of the contract will limit the sailors' stay outside Ukraine, the State Border Service reported.

In the event of the introduction of martial law on the territory of Ukraine, male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 60 years old have the right to cross the state border of Ukraine if they are sent to work on sea vessels, inland navigation vessels as part of the crews of such vessels or to undergo practical training on ships, - reported on the official website of the State Border Service.

There are three categories of sailors:

• cadets of educational institutions for practical training on a ship under the Ukrainian or foreign flag;
• seafarers following to work as part of the crews of ships operating voyages to/from the seaports of Ukraine. Currently, this applies only to teams involved in the export of Ukrainian agricultural products as part of the "grain initiative."
• other Ukrainian sailors are the most numerous group going abroad to work on seagoing vessels and inland navigation vessels as part of the crews of such ships.

Seafarers can use the permit if they received the appropriate education and qualifications before February 24, 2022, or completed their training during martial law.