Members will recall the US President issued an Executive Order on 27 January 2017 entitled, “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen — from entering the US for 90 days, all refugees for 120 days and indefinitely halts refugees from Syria.

It is understood that the ban applied to crew members irrespective if these held a valid visa. It is not clear if a vessel carrying crew from any of the seven countries would be denied entry into a US port however it is likely the vessel would be ordered to post and pay for security guards at the gangway to ensure the crew member did not depart the vessel.

Following a court order issued last week by a US federal court in Seattle holding the Executive Order as illegal, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order. This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travelers for operational action subject to the Executive Order. DHS has therefore advised their personnel will resume inspection of travelers in accordance with standard policy and procedure. Hence, it is understood that for all practical purposes the ban does presently not apply.

However, the Department of Justice have advised they intend to urgently file an emergency stay of the court order and defend the President’s Executive Order, which they allege is lawful and appropriate.

The situation is fluid and members affected by the ban – if reinforced – are advised to follow developments closely. Information can be found at the website for Department of Homeland Security and US Department of State – bureau of consular affairs

Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness.