The Spanish government has reached an agreement with MSC Cruises Company to resolve the situation of a cruise ship stranded in Barcelona due to visa issues faced by a group of Bolivian passengers. Under the agreement, 69 Bolivian passengers were taken off the vessel and placed in a transit zone in the port, but not allowed to enter Spanish territory. The ship, MSC Armonia, was meant to continue its route to other countries after making a stop in Barcelona, with the Bolivian passengers as its final destination. The cruise company agreed to provide another boat from Livorno, Italy, for the Bolivian passengers, ensuring food and healthcare for them while immigration officials work to resolve their visa problems quickly.
The Bolivian passengers on the MSC Armonia had encountered visa issues that prevented them from disembarking in Barcelona, as they lacked valid documents to enter the Schengen area, comprising 29 European countries that have no ID-checks at borders. The Spanish government intervened to remove the passengers from the ship and provide for their well-being while working to resolve the visa problems. The cruise company is cooperating with authorities to ensure a smooth transition for the impacted Bolivians, with plans to sail the MSC Armonia to Italy on Thursday. The situation arose after the Bolivian passengers, who had reportedly boarded the ship in Brazil with what appeared to be proper documentation, were found to have invalid visas for entry into the Schengen area.
Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, mentioned that there were reports of some of the stranded Bolivians being victims of a fake visa scam, although details were scarce. The families of the affected passengers were urged to provide information about the visa processing to aid in the investigation. Spain’s national police were looking into the possibility of a fake visa scheme that led to the Bolivian passengers being stranded in Barcelona. MSC Cruises assured that the passengers had the necessary documentation when boarding in Brazil, indicating that the visa issues arose after their arrival in Spain. The cruise company’s prompt action in providing assistance to the Bolivian passengers demonstrates their commitment to resolving the situation and ensuring the well-being of those affected.
The agreement between the Spanish government and MSC Cruises Company highlights the cooperative efforts to address the visa problems faced by the Bolivian passengers on the stranded cruise ship in Barcelona. The swift response to remove the passengers from the vessel, provide for their immediate needs, and work towards resolving the visa issues reflects a willingness to prioritize the well-being and safety of the impacted individuals. As the situation unfolds, authorities are focused on ensuring a smooth transition for the Bolivian passengers to continue their journey to Italy, where further steps will be taken to address their visa problems. The investigation into the alleged fake visa scam underscores the importance of vigilance and proper documentation in international travel to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
