Muscat: The drive against the illegal expatriate workforce continues with the Manpower Ministry taking 334 violators into custody.
The inspection teams from the Manpower Ministry and Royal Oman Police (ROP) are carrying out periodic raids on areas known to be inhabited by low-wage workers. The raids are also carried out on farms, remote areas and commercial establishments.
With the authorities in Oman keen to provide employment to young Omanis, the ‘irregular’ workforce is proving to be a major hurdle, officials believe. The police have also repeatedly pointed out that illegal expatriates in the country were a major threat to society and were behind an increase in criminal activities.
In 2010, Oman offered exit to illegal workers without paying any fines. About 24,311 illegal workers of Asian origin took advantage of the offer and left Oman but according to an estimate by social workers and market sources, more than double the number are still working in the country illegally.
In July 2011, Oman announced tough penalties for illegal workers as well as those who employ them. For the first time, Omanis also came under the law and harsh punishment was spelt out for those allowing their employees to work for others.
An operation in September 2011 followed and 1,317 illegal residents were caught in one day in raids across the country.
Since then the Manpower Ministry and the ROP carry out periodic raids to flush out not just overstaying expatriates but those who enter the country illegally, mostly via the long coastline.
Last week, the Manpower Ministry’s inspection teams caught the highest number of 273 working at commercial organisations, 22 farm workers and 39 domestic workers.
The ministry also deported 160 violators of the labour law during last week.
