Law Summary
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
- Must be currently employed or have been employed in the preceding 12 months on a fishing vessel operating in UK waters.
- Employment must be on vessels operating within UK territorial waters or on vessels spending over 30% of their time in those waters.
- Self-employed or shared fishermen are excluded from this concession.
Employment and Contract Requirements
- Contract must comply with UK minimum wage regulations at GBP5.80 per hour.
- Must follow relevant tax and national insurance standards.
Accommodation Requirements
- Shore-based accommodation mandatory for fishing vessels under 24 meters in length.
- For vessels over 24 meters, satisfactory vessel accommodation must be approved by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Authority (MCA) if crew is accommodated onboard while in port.
Training Requirements
- Employer must confirm that the fisherman has received or will receive health and safety training within one month of authorized employment.
- Training must comply with the Fishing Vessels (Safety Training) Regulations 1989 as amended in 2004 and referenced in Merchant Shipping Notice M1367 and MGN 404.
Guarantee and Repatriation
- Owner or agent must provide a guarantee letter covering costs and travel arrangements for repatriation upon contract completion.
Application Procedures and Documentation
- Complete submission of required documents is mandatory; incomplete applications will be refused.
- Applicants must refer to the UK Border Agency website for detailed rules, visa fees, and application forms.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- All conditions ensure adherence to UK wage, safety, accommodation, and immigration regulations to protect the welfare of Filipino fishermen and other non-EU workers under the concession.