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The Committee notes the Government's replies to its previous comments.

Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's earlier reply to its previous comments that in practice the expenses of repatriation include the maintenance of the seafarer up to the time of departure and that a seafarer repatriated as a member of a crew is entitled to remuneration for the work done during the voyage. The Committee refers to Article 3, paragraph 1, which requires that the right to repatriation including the question of who shall bear the charge of repatriation shall be determined by national law. The Committee hopes that the law will provide for these aspects of repatriation and thus bring the legislation in line with the practice.

Article 6. The Committee notes the Government's reply to its previous comments that there are currently no instructions issued to diplomatic representatives and consular authorities with regard to the role that they are to play in the repatriation of seafarers. The Committee recalls that the Government had indicated in its earlier reports that such instructions were planned to be issued. It hopes these instructions will be issued soon and a copy transmitted to the Office, thus giving full effect to this Article of the Convention.