Sunday 26 / January / 2025
Muscat: Citizens in the country have welcomed the decision made by the Ministry of Labour after it announced that the Council of Ministers has approved a package of exemptions and financial settlements worth more than OMR60 million.
This move was a part of ongoing efforts to rectify the conditions of the workforce and secure the rights of individuals and business owners in a manner that positively contributes to regulating the labour market.
A statement to this effect affirmed the cancellation of all fines and financial dues payable to the Labour Ministry for expired labour cards that were in effect for a period of 7 years. In addition, individuals and business owners will be absolved of paying the registered financial dues (and this includes the price of workers’ deportation tickets) for the year 2017 and before.
The Ministry affirmed the cancellation of labour cards that were in effect for a period of 10 years during which the card owners did not apply for any associated service. Yet a note will be added to the cancellation notification stating that the cards could be activated in the cases of “renewal application”, “a worker’s departure”, the “transfer of services” and the “registration of a report of absconding labour”.
The Ministry also announced the writing-off of financial obligations against liquidated companies, provided that the workers of such companies be deported or their services be transferred to other parties.
In addition, the Ministry announced a grace period (a period of six months starting from the first of February 2025) for the parties concerned to help them to streamline the conditions of workers and employers and exempt them from fines associated with the labour cards, provided that the license (the labour card) is renewed and that the renewal sum be paid for the next period (two years), the report of leaving work be cancelled, the worker’s services be transferred and the value of the travel ticket be paid by the employer or worker in the event of a worker’s final departure.
The Ministry of Labour said that it will begin receiving applications related to this matter during the period from 1 February 2025 until 31 July 2025, through the Ministry’s website and through various service delivery outlets.
Following the announcement, many citizens praised the government’s decision. “This is a bold decision by the government to rectify the conditions of the workforce and secure the rights of individuals and business owners,” said Mohammed, a resident of Suwaiq.
Badar Khalfan, a small business owner in Muscat, expressed his relief, stating, "This decision will significantly ease the financial burden on businesses, especially for those who have been struggling to keep up with penalties and fines from the past. It's a great step towards creating a more sustainable business environment."
Jamal Abdullah, a resident from South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, praised the government's approach to balancing economic and humanitarian considerations. "Cancelling fines for long-expired labour cards and providing opportunities for reactivation under specific conditions demonstrates a fair and empathetic approach. It will also encourage more people to come forward and regularise their status."
“This policy supports the rights of workers and helps in maintaining a regulated labour market. It is a win-win situation for both employees and employers,” Jamal added.
