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<p>The Government has introduced a range of Transport Sanctions in response to Russia’s
illegal invasion of Ukraine. These measures are intended to ratchet up the economic
pressure on Russia, signal our support to Ukraine, and to degrade the Russian shipping
sector. We also recognise the importance of protecting seafarers and their welfare
whilst achieving this goal.</p><p> </p><p>The Government continually seeks to ensure
sanctions measures are carefully targeted and avoid unintended consequences. Economic
sanctions come under the remit and responsibility of HM Treasury and its Office of
Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). If a person or organisation is subject
to financial sanctions and requires access to frozen funds in order to pay for goods
and services, it is incumbent on them to seek a licence from OFSI. This includes the
release of funds for the purpose of paying seafarers.</p><p> </p><p>OFSI prioritises
cases where there are issues of personal basic needs and/or wider humanitarian issues
at stake which are of material impact or urgency, or which are deemed to be of particular
strategic, economic or administrative importance. My Department has engaged regularly
with OFSI on this matter to ensure cases of seafarer remuneration are considered and
prioritised where possible.</p><p> </p>
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