With fine waivers, many Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi expats in Oman line up to go home
Social clubs and embassy officials pulling out all stops to help compatriots return home
Muscat: Ever since Oman’s Ministry of Labour’s announcement exempting residents from all fees and fines linked to work permits, provided they leave the Sultanate for good before December 31 this year, there has been a rush to make use of the offer.
Gulf News spoke exclusively to ambassadors, embassy officials and community-club office bearers to understand if there were any arrangement put in place by the embassy concerned to help the citizens of their respective countries.
India
Anuj Swarup, , Second Secretary, at Indian Embassy in Oman, told Gulf News the Embassy had established a special desk to facilitate registering with Oman’s Labour Ministry’s website. “As and when people get approval from the Labour Ministry, the embassy will issue Emergency Certificates to them. The embassy is also in touch with social workers across Oman to assist Indian nationals to make use of this opportunity.”
Pakistan
Pakistan Ambassador K K Ahsan Wagan said that new SOPs have been put in place to assist the Pakistani citizens to make use of this measure. The Pakistani embassy has been working even on weekends to help its citizens with the processes and procedures in this regard.
Bangladesh
Mohammed Towhid, Manager of Bangladesh Social Club said he was working in close coordination with the Bangladesh embassy to help the many Bangladeshi citizens who want to return to their home country. “This gesture from the Omani government is a real blessing for those who struggle to make ends meet. Ever since the announcement was made, I have been working full time helping my fellow citizens, and the embassy is also very accommodating in this regard.”
The announcement from the Labour Ministry is in line with the decision of the Supreme Committee to help expatriates who wish to return to their home countries. Employees as well as employers are exempt from any fine linked to work permit related issues. This decision is effective from November 15 and is valid till December 31.