Approximately 95 Filipino seafarers with valid U.S. visas have been denied entry and deported from the United States since 2024, reportedly due to allegations linked to child pornography. However, industry officials believe the move is part of the Trump administration’s broader, more stringent immigration policies targeting migrant workers.
Capt. Antonio Ladera III, president of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), revealed the issue during a media interview on the sidelines of the 2025 International Conference on Seafarers, Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being, which opened today, September 1, at the Diamond Hotel.
According to Ladera, the visa cancellations occurred at U.S. customs and immigration checkpoints upon arrival.
Ladera emphasized that he does not believe the Philippines is being singled out, noting that seafarers from other countries, including India and Indonesia, have faced similar treatment. He explained that a U.S. visa is crucial for seafarers, as it is often tied to other international visas.
Photo credit: (https://almamaritimegroup.com)
“If a seafarer had been denied entry or their visa cancelled at the port of entry and are deported, other visa issuing country will not also look favorably on the seafarer,” he said. He added that even if a vessel’s route does not include a U.S. port, seafarers are still required to carry a U.S. visa, as shipment routes can change at the last minute.
Some of those whose visas were revoked were allegedly linked to child pornography, but the Filipino seafarers involved have vehemently denied the allegations.
Industry officials, the visa cancellations only happened during the Trump administration.
Ladera said ALMA is in discussion with the Philippine government, stressing that “this should require a government-to-government action.” He added that they have reached out to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Senate to address the issue.
The Philippines remains the world’s top supplier of maritime labor. In 2024 alone, 504,057 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas, according to data from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW Director Augusto San Diego III reported that there are currently 367 licensed manning agencies in the Philippines, 3,042 active principals or shipowners hiring Filipino crew, and 29,801 active vessels enrolled under the country’s maritime deployment program.
The ongoing international conference has drawn around 200 senior government officials, international organizations, maritime industry leaders, and civil society representatives from over 30 countries and 10 international organizations. Nearly 30 industry partners are also attending to discuss urgent global issues affecting seafarers.
With the theme “No One Left Adrift,” the conference is expected to produce a Manila Declaration focused on the protection of seafarers’ human rights.
