New rules making it more difficult for seamen to obtain visas to come ashore are costing the nation’s businesses, according to representatives for port facilities and ship brokers. The new rules mean that foreign sailors cannot come ashore unless their ship docks in a Danish port. Moreover, visas can only be issued at Copenhagen Airport between 7am and 5pm. Allan Houtved, the head of shipbrokers’ association Danmarks Skibsmæglerforening, said the changes made it less likely ships would change crews in Copenhagen, meaning less business for hotels and other service providers. The police, who are responsible for issuing the visas, said the rule change was due to a lack of resources. – DR Nyheder