Indians continued to be the most abandoned nationality among seafarers globally in 2025, marking the second consecutive year they have topped the list, according to new data released by the UK-based International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The union recorded 1,125 cases involving Indian seafarers by the end of the year, highlighting the growing crisis faced by maritime workers across the world.

The ITF said seafarer abandonment reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with a total of 6,223 seafarers abandoned on 410 ships worldwide. The figures point to a worsening situation in the global shipping industry, where workers are increasingly left stranded without pay, support, or a way to return home. The union described the trend as a serious and ongoing violation of basic labour and human rights.

Welcoming steps taken by New Delhi, the ITF praised the Indian government’s decision to blacklist ships and operators involved in repeated cases of abandonment and other unethical practices. The measure, the union said, sends a strong signal to ship owners that exploitation of seafarers will not be tolerated and offers some protection to Indian nationals working on foreign vessels.

Seafarer abandonment, as defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), includes failure to cover repatriation costs, denial of essential maintenance and welfare, and the unilateral severing of ties with crew members, including non-payment of contractual wages for a minimum of two months. Such conditions often leave seafarers stuck in foreign ports for months, facing financial distress and uncertainty.

According to the ITF’s regional analysis, the Middle East recorded the highest number of abandonment cases in 2025, followed by Europe. Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates emerged as the two countries with the highest number of vessels linked to abandonment, with 61 and 54 ships respectively, significantly higher than any other nation.

The financial impact on seafarers was severe. The ITF said abandoned crews were owed a total of 25.8 million dollars in unpaid wages during 2025. Through legal action and union intervention, the federation managed to recover 16.5 million dollars and return it to affected seafarers, though millions remain unpaid.

The union also highlighted the role of the Flags of Convenience system in enabling such abuses. Around 82 per cent of vessels involved in abandonment cases in 2025 were found to be operating under foreign flags that differ from their country of ownership. The ITF estimates that nearly 30 per cent of the global merchant fleet of about 1,00,000 vessels operates under such flags, often taking advantage of weaker regulations.

Calling for urgent reform, the ITF urged greater accountability within the shipping industry and stronger coordinating powers for the IMO to effectively tackle and prevent seafarer abandonment worldwide.