INFISA Deploys Hundreds of Indonesian Fishermen to Address fishing Crew Crisis in Italian fishing vessel

June 10, 2025

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – The Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA) has confirmed that a number of Indonesian fishermen began joining Italian fishing vessels today, responding to urgent requests from vessel owners in the country who are facing a significant manpower crisis.

According to a statement from INFISA, initial communications took place approximately one month ago. At that time, the association was contacted by numerous owners of small-scale fishing boats in Italy who reported that their fleets were unable to operate and set sail due to a critical shortage of crew members.

In response to this need, INFISA promptly processed and facilitated the deployment of skilled workers from Indonesia. The total requirement reported by the Italian side amounts to approximately 600 fishing crews.

"Today, we are proud to announce that some of our members have begun the process of joining their ships in Italy. This is the first concrete step towards fulfilling this urgent need," stated a representative from INFISA in an official release.

To ensure the smooth deployment of the remaining crews, INFISA expressed its hope for support from the Italian Embassy in Jakarta. "This support is crucial, particularly in expediting the issuance of employment permit visas for the fishermen," the representative added. "We hope to collaborate closely with the Italian Embassy to ensure all procedures are completed efficiently for the mutual benefit of both parties."

Visa Italia

INFISA emphasized that this collaboration extends beyond simply filling a labor gap; it is a reflection of the philosophy firmly held by the association. "We fundamentally believe that the three main pillars—human resources, natural resources, and the industry itself—must synergize. This partnership is a clear example of how Indonesian expertise can support the sustainability of the global fishing industry," the statement concluded.

This initiative not only provides a solution for the vessel owners in Italy but also opens international employment opportunities for Indonesian fishermen, thereby strengthening their reputation as competent maritime professionals on the world stage.