Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Gibraltar

Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention. Readmission to the territory and permission to enter a territory. In its previous comments, the Committee had requested the Government to indicate how it gives effect to Articles 5 and 6. The Committee notes that, in its report, the Government indicates that Gibraltar does not issue seafarers’ identity documents but accepts valid seafarers’ identity documents for readmission into Gibraltar if the seafarer is resident in Gibraltar, as it accepts passports and other recognized travel documentation. The Government also indicated that, in appropriate cases, the Principal Immigration Officer in Gibraltar may be directed by the Government of Gibraltar to allow persons to leave or enter Gibraltar or who are in transit by land, sea or air through the airport to any country specified in any direction, by waiving any controls, powers or functions required under Gibraltar law. The Committee further notes that the Government indicates that a seafarer holding a valid seafarers’ identity document may be permitted to enter Gibraltar in the cases foreseen in Article 6. In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in the very near future, it will adopt legislation to give firmer legal and statutory footing to the Convention as well as to allow seafarers from Gibraltar to apply for seafarers’ identity documents in Gibraltar.  The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the new legislation once it has been adopted, indicating the provisions that ensure full compliance with Articles 5 and 6.