Over 12,000 expats left Oman since amnesty scheme began last year

Muscat: Many expatriates have left Oman under the amnesty scheme which was announced by the Government in November last year.

Early this year, figures indicated that over 12,378 expatriates had left Oman for good. The initial deadline of the amnesty programme which was December 31 of last year was extended by Oman’s government to March 31 this year.

Under the scheme the expatriates were exempted from all fees and fines arising from work permits. The announcement saw many scrambling to make use of this offer, as there were a number of people who had mounting renewal fines and fees that they were unable to pay off. Especially post the pandemic when businesses were down with hardly any revenues for many small business owners.

The announcement of fine waivers from Oman’s Labour Ministry was in line with the decision of the Supreme Committee to facilitate expatriate workforce who wish to return to their country to proceed easily, due to the pandemic situation.

Final exit

Anuj Swarup, Second Secretary, at Indian Embassy in Oman, informed Gulf News that the Indian Embassy in Oman has facilitated final exit for over 3,000 Indians since the Amnesty announcement by Omani government

The network of social workers, and social community clubs were enlisted to help those in need by the Indian Embassy. Regular virtual meetings as well as face-to-face meetings were held by the embassy staff with the representatives of the community to gauge the progress in this regard.

Moosakutty, a coffee-shop owner in Ruwi said that he had helped a number of people in his circle for their final exit. “There still are many who have not completed the required documentation, for no fault of theirs. We hope there is a further extension of at least a month by the government of Oman.”