This circular informs Members of a recent ban imposed by the South Korean authority on their nationals travelling to the Philippine. This may have some implications for those vessels that are scheduled to trade to ports in certain regions of the Philippine, mostly known for nickel ore export.

Due to concern over conditions in the Philippines, the South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs has imposed a travel ban for South Korean nationals under the Korean Passport Act. This will remain effective until 31st January 2020. The restriction applies to the following areas:-

-  Zamboanga Peninsula

-  Sulu Archipelago

-  Island province of Basilan

-  Tawitawi Archipelago

The travel ban is applicable to vessels of all flags with crews who hold Korean passport, including Korean flagged vessels with Korean crews on board.

Members who have Korean crews or chartered from South Korean entities should consider the risk of delay and difficulties associated with trading to those ports in the area in the Philippines.

A possible penalty of imprisonment with labour for not more than a year or a fine not exceeding 10 million Korean Won will be imposed on the individual crew who is in breach of the Act. A ship owner may be charged with same penalty or fine if they are found to be an accessory and if their business is registered in Korea. Foreign Owners whose business is not registered in Korea are unlikely to be subject to a penalty or fine out of this national Act.

For exceptional cases, a ship owner may apply for a permission from the local Ministry under the Enforcement Decree of the Korean Passport Act.

Yours faithfully

THE MANAGERS

For more information

Members requiring further information should contact their usual Club contact.

Source of Information

Loss Prevention