As a result of Brexit, the UK is no longer a Member State of the European Union and on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement which came into force on 1 February 2020, there was a transition period which ended on 31 December 2020. During the transition period the social insurance position of UK nationals working in EU countries continued to be treated under EU rules. Whilst there has been discussions and new Protocol set ups, the general policy when it comes to UK crew working on board a Maltese flagged vessel has not change and the British crew residing in the UK are still liable to pay social insurance in Malta.
Therefore, for those British seafarers who were affiliated in the Maltese scheme during 2020 or even upon 1st January 2021, their employment will continue being treated in the same way and will be subject to pay social security contributions in Malta.
The only exception is for crew residing in EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK, is when both the employer and crew domicile in the same member state, and are affiliated in that same state for social security cover, obligations will fall under that state, however it is not the case for most crew members.
In regards to the crew members who not reside within EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK, but working under the Malta flag, must be noted that nothing has changed as well and crew must be insured according to the law in their country of residence.
It is important to say that all the benefits that the crew previously had, have remain untouched and all the requirements that we have from the crew in the paperwork aspect have remain similar.
Asset V has been working with various owners to assist them meet with such obligations and make sure that this procedure will not create them any issues with their crew. We are used to work next to the captain when it comes to crew employment and crew registration with the Maltese Authorities.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be glad to assist you in setting up such the ideal process for you and/or your crew.
> Contact our Clients Manager Stefano Bombardini, today at [email protected] for any additional information or assistance.