Muscat: Close to 30,000 Bangladeshi citizens have left Oman, under the amnesty scheme announced by Oman government in November last year. Mohammed Tawhid, a long-time Bangladeshi resident born and raised in Oman, who is also a known social worker and works closely with the community members and the Bangladesh embassy, said around 30,000 applications were made at the embassy to exit the country under the amnesty.
“Many Bangladeshis left the country, and there are still many who are waiting for their visas to expire to exit the country for good.”
Mohammed said many of his compatriots working as labourers, who are currently on free visas, will not eventually renew their visas once the new fees come into effect.
“Even if there is a provision whereby they can renew the visas, whether they will or not depends on whether they can afford it, as the renewal fee would be very high unlike before. Where it used to be RO 400 to RO 600 including the charges incurred by sponsors, it is going to cost now in the region of RO 1,000 or more.
“It is no more about if they can renew or not, as many will not renew since it is going to be difficult for them to earn what they have spent, and pay for their monthly expenses as well. So, my personal point of view is that many will be leaving Oman and look for opportunities elsewhere.
“It will affect the market as the work carried out by them will not be done by most others. These jobs cannot be Omanised, due to their menial nature. It is going to affect many of us, including small business owners. We do hope that some good news emerges as the new visa rule will affect not just the visa holder but also the companies.”
Mohammed informed that special flights operated by Biman and US Bangla per the requirement and demand are ferrying Bangladeshi citizens to their country. Special flights are also being operated by Oman Air and Salam to Bangladesh.
