375 Filipino Seafarers from Germany Return to the Philippines

Filipino crewmembers check-in for the chartered flight. (Berlin PE photo)

BERLIN 28 May 2020 – A total of 375 Filipino crewmembers of AIDA Cruises departed for the Philippines from Hamburg, Germany via a chartered Evelop Airlines flight on 27 May 2020.

The seafarers had been awaiting repatriation after cruise trips were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2020.

The Filipino crew, part of several thousand AIDA Cruises employees of different nationalities, were assisted at the send-off by Philippine Ambassador to Germany Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel with Embassy Assistants Renante Estrella and Vieto Pilapil.

Before boarding, the Filipino crew were provided with information on how to avail of the AKAP or Social Amelioration Fund and also the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Assistance Program. 

The Filipino crewmembers arrived in the Philippines on 28 May 2020. Over 1,000 Filpino seafarers have been repatriated from Germany since April 2020. END

Crewmembers arrive at Hamburg International Airport from the Hamburg Port Cruise Center. (Berlin PE photo)

Left photo: Philipppine Ambassador to Germany Ma.Theresa Dizon-De Vega (rightmost) confers with Hamburg Airport Authorities on the movements and procedures for check-in and boarding. Right photo: Philippine Ambassador Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (leftmost), Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel (rightmost) discuss matters on seafarers’ repatriation with Dr. Scarlett Kleine-Kampmann of the Port and Airport Health Authority of Hamburg who was on hand to assist any seafarers in distress. (Berlin PE photo)

For more information, visit  https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.de or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGermany.