MEA issues advisory, asks fishermen & sailors to stay away from Iranian waters

India has asked all fishermen and sailors to stay away from Iranian waters, following aggressive posturing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Persian Gulf.

An advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has particularly warned emigrants working on fishing vessels/trawlers moving from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates towards Iranian waters. It has also cautioned all registered agents not to process cases of employment or engagement of Indian emigrants or workers on fishing vessels working in these countries and fishing towards Iranian waters. The advisory has also asked all protectors of emigrants not to process any application seeking emigration clearance to such workers.

The IRGC in recent times has taken aggressive posturing against vessels of these countries. The Iranian guards have also launched a drive to combat smuggling and have been assigned to check and apprehend all illegal vessels entering Iranian waters. They have been seizing vessels trespassing into Iranian waters.

"Accordingly, all Indian emigrants/workers are hereby advised not to take up work on fishing vessels/trawlers which may be moving form Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates towards Iran till further notice, as it may lead to their possible detention, arrest or even endanger their lives. They may also face possible legal action, leading to fines by Iranian authorities or serving jail term in Iran," the advisory noted.