Muscat: Two-year ban on expats returns from July 1



Muscat, May 11 (Times of Oman): Effective July 1, 2014, the 'two year ban' on expat workforce in Oman will be back.

In an announcement, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has said no employment visa will be issued after July 1, 2014 to any foreigner who previously worked in the Sultanate and has not completed two years from the date of last departure, in keeping with the requirements of expatriates residency law and its implementing regulations.

The step is being taken in coordination with the authorities concerned with recruitment of foreigners.

A reliable source at the ROP explained that the law has been in existence for a long time but is being enforced now.

"The ROP decided that it was the right time to activate the law as we have received many recommendations from businessmen and enterprise owners," said the ROP source.

"The decision bans the expatriate workforce to join another company before completing two full years from the date of departure," said the ROP source.

If an expatriate worker has not completed two years after departure and is called to rejoin the same company after leaving the Sultanate, then such a worker will be exempt from the new decision.

Salim Al Ghammari, a member of the Municipal Council, said, "It is a positive move by the Royal Oman Police to put in place some controls in the expatriate employment." 

The decision will help maintain a balance in issuance of visas for different nationalities, he noted.

"Controlling the number of expatriates will help in regulating the labour market in Oman, especially if the government stops issuing visas to those expatriates who did not complete two years after leaving the Sultanate," said Al Ghammari.

He further added that the Council had recommended strict regulations for bringing expatriate workforce to the Sultanate. 
  

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Comment on this article

  • vinodkumar,

    Thu, Jul 02 2015

    Iam working inomsn driveng havey vecsl

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • sameer, india (mumbai)

    Mon, Jun 01 2015

    my friend says the rules for two years ban is canceled.thths tru or no please give me information

    DisAgree [3] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.Inamdar., India

    Wed, Jan 14 2015

    I left my company on January 2014, i had filled a law suit against my employer as the terminated me on unfair grounds. i won the case and now i want to get back to Oman because i have other good offers. Do i still need an NOC?? can someone advise me please.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • abdul jabbar, Fahud

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    Need to know regarding 2 years ban for expatriates.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • MM. Clement, Kerala, India

    Sat, Nov 22 2014

    One of my friend came on employment visa. Some personnel issue he has to go back india. He didn't get the residence permit. So, he can come back oman again or not.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • sundaresna, chennai

    Tue, Oct 07 2014


    sir

    I left from oman march 2014 without cancelliation. my visa will be expire june 2015.

    2 year ban withdrawing by ministry . I heard information. pl confirm

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • ABHILASH ANTONY, OMAN

    Sat, Sep 20 2014

    I was working in oman for last 2 years i complete my 2 year contract and visa .i like to come back oman with new employer .i would like to know if it possible or not

    DisAgree [4] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • fadi, Beirut

    Fri, Sep 19 2014

    First time I came to Oman and I got my first Permit Resident card on March-2009 to March-2011 for 2 years and I completed and my Company renew my Permit Resident card ID from March 2011—March-2013 but I left company on 18-June-2012 back to Beirut and now I want to come back for new Company is the new rules ban for 2 years apply on me if you can help me reply.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • praveen , india/kerala

    Fri, Aug 08 2014

    hi frnd. im working in oman , barka. last march 2nd im left from their. im not cancel my visa. this ban i'll affect me or not. please give me reply for this

    DisAgree [5] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • deepa pardeshi, india

    Tue, Jul 01 2014

    I would like to know this rule is going to be applicable those employee who not completed 2years ? or
    the employee who completed 3rd year but not completing 4th years because he/she getting batter opportunity...
    and the employee is 8years completing successfully need to change is job....

    DisAgree [5] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashu225, India

    Mon, Jun 30 2014

    Its very bad decision. i was in Oman Last year. also get good job. But rules come owner not ready to give me now NOC or cancel before 30th june. also before they propose me good package now not ready to give me anything. its happen with many people. i thing Ministry also think about minimum wages of Expat Labor which same come 45 15 since long time. also give minimum food allowance 25 to 30 rial bcoz life is very costlier. Must think about both side if owner give good salary and increment regularly no one like to change their job.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • MM. Clement, Kerala, India

    Sat, Jun 28 2014

    Due to this 2 years ban, I am planning to leave Oman and start my own business in my place rather than not getting proper facilities and salary in time. Or else shift to UAE. Frequently I am going to Dubai and I am realized about life style in Dubai. Same time Oman is very good place and local people is very decent and cooperative in all respect.This live my home town.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahboob, India/Salalah

    Mon, Jun 23 2014

    This two year ban on expects only in Oman or all GCC country ? I heard some Omani this two year ban for all GCC country. If anyone know. Please give possitive and
    confirmative reply

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • binsuvijayarajanraj, indian

    Sat, Jun 14 2014

    This rule is not protect to the labours.now I worked as a labour. This rule published in may . Now we have so cruel situation working time increase .my supervisor give 16 hrs duty per day .what we do now we are helpless. No way to escape the cruel situation. What we do the law protect the company owners . I think this is not gud .now I face that situation. Pls help us

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • sajad, india

    Fri, May 23 2014

    If i am going cancell today from oman. A new visa can be issued on my name by the other company in oman. For example - if it gets issued, than i dont want to come back before 3 months...the new coming law will implement on me...please advise...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • balu, hyderabad

    Wed, May 14 2014

    am sock to here the Ban of Two years in Oman.as an Employee ,having right to choose better job as well as best Renuemaration.basing on that every employee has came to GCC countries.iam opposing the rule of Oman because if there is an Emergency Problem ,Employee will leave the Current Job on that time this Act is creating a problem to Employee.this is my opinion don't take otherwise.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jeeva, Tamilnadu

    Mon, May 12 2014

    This will cause loss of skilled and experienced expats from the country

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Khurram,

    Mon, May 12 2014

    I don't think this rule will last for long

    DisAgree [6] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jeevan Lobo, Bangkok

    Mon, May 12 2014

    Its nothing but a slavery. previously 6 months ban was applicable and now its been almost removed from UAE for a decent salary employee. Oman wants to apply a ban which is not legal as per international labor laws. let me simplify this, A person can join the same company or extend the visa in same company. if he refuses or refused by the company then he should leave the desert with a ban of 2 years!!! Employer and businessman can dominant over their employee and need not be raising the salary and make them work in the office like a salve or else just deport them with a 2 year ban..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pradeep, Oman

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Let us see what happening in the future.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • max, dubai, mangalore

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Changing the employer is being in practice for years years long when.

    And if one country says changing employment will ban the employee this will definitely give a huge impact on countries development.

    It is completely human right violation.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stany D'sa, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sun, May 11 2014

    U.A.E. Has the best labour law. An employee can change the job after completing two years contract. The employers in U.A.E. have the choice to hire experienced candidates within the country in accordance with the labour law. The Omani labour law may be denying the human rights and will have an impact on investors. As somebody said it is not true that the secrets of the previous company being shared with the new company by an employee. Trade secrets are always within the domain of the top management. Therefore two year ban on expats in no way good for the developing countries and Oman in particular.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.R.Akash, Kundapur, Muscat

    Sun, May 11 2014

    The earlier system of obtaining NOCs from the current employer before joining a prospective new employer is quite practical. In several cases because of the project completion or because of cost cutting measures due to lack of business, companies are forced to terminate their employees with no fault of employees. In these cases it is only fair that the terminated employees are given NOCs so that they can join another employer as soon as they find one.
    Before giving the NOCs, the current employer can also insist on the new employer details so as to ensure that the terminated or leaving employee doesn't join a competitor. This will help both the employee and the employer and they both can be fair to each other and also serves the authorities attempt to serve the business interests.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash Naik, Kundapur, Muscat

    Tue, May 13 2014

    Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI) now clarifies that employees with NOCs from their current employer can join a new employer without any restrictions. This rule was there before and now has been once again included into the new ruling of 2 year ban.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveed, Udupi

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Dear Banary ,

    I totally agree with your view when you take a fresher . Contact is for 2 year period and gets renewed automatically with mutual consent of both the parties .In case i have been working for 12 years (in the same company )in that duration i will have 6 Contracts ,but it wont be fair if this ban is applied on me if i want to switch job after 11.5 Years if i get a suitable opening .

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anilkumar, Mangalore

    Sun, May 11 2014

    This amounts to a violation of human rights to seek employment as per individuals needs. Why are the so called human rights organisations quiet on this? May be because such rules are not applied to these western countries. unfortunately, India does not provide satisfactory employment opportunity for the citizens. Otherwise, such Gulf countries would have learnt the importance of Indian employees when there is a shortage of such people.

    DisAgree Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • majid, MANGALORE

    Sun, May 11 2014

    did you leave KSA forever ?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak, Paladka

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Young generation should try for the jobs in INDIA and settle down. There are no major restrictions to change your jobs. In Gulf you are struck for some years in each company because of rules. Now companies in INDIA too pay high compare to the earlier days.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mann, bangalore

    Sun, May 11 2014

    This two year ban sounds good for those working in offices etc. and trying to take advantage of situations to join a new company for better remuneration. This new rule will stop such employee from hopping jobs every now and then.

    On the other hand like someone mentioned here, it will be a blow for the lower class workers (labourers\drivers\house workers etc) this rule will not allow them to continue to stay after the projects are over or some reason the employer does not need their services, can not continue staying there and once returned will not be able to return to that country till 2 years have elapsed.
    The Government should exempt such type of workers from this new rule or they may be hard pressed to find such workers for their ever increasing development works\domestic needs.
    Who will leave their existing job in their own country just to work for 6 months to 1 year and then not able to go there again for another 2 years?

    DisAgree [31] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • NAVEED, UDUPI

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Dear Mann ,

    If this was in India would your thoughts would have been the same ???? Everyone has the right to better their lives if they get a good opportunity ,also Companies get to chance to recruit better talent .

    DisAgree [2] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • sbanary, Mangalore / Saudi

    Sun, May 11 2014

    Naveed,

    I face lot problems especially fresh engineers enter the organization and get trained, during their training we loose our patience and we take hard effort to train and prior to completing their tenure. They hunt for new jobs and bring false excuse of Mother serious or father serious and we cannot stop those reasons considering the humanity ground, And they never come back.

    We loose our Visa and the duration which we trained, everyone have right to look for a better future but finish your contract and then go, nobody stop you.

    I can count the number of incidents, every batch loose minimum of 10-20% employees escape prior to contract.

    DisAgree [19] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • syed, oman

    Sun, Jun 01 2014

    Have you seen that what is the root cause of the issue .

    Employees will leave companies if they are not paid enough pay them good they will never leave

    Employers will act like masters now and Employees will be like slaves .

    DisAgree Agree [4] Report Abuse

  • Roshan Andrade , Kemman / Muscat

    Sun, May 11 2014

    it is very bad for those who are settled with their family and if the company terminates the contract. Also, the labourers whose contracts are generally terminated after projects...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • DR SUNIL J RAO, BAHRAIN / MANGALORE

    Sun, May 11 2014

    In contrast to Oman, here in Bahrain there is a system of 'local transfer' you can change your job WITHOUT CONSENT OF EMPLOYER and WITHOUT ANY NOC. That is why the HR/Labour rules of Bahrain are the best in the whole of the GCC.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Sun, May 11 2014




    I hope other GCC countries will not follow suit

    DisAgree [4] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE

    Sun, May 11 2014

    It is common in the Gulf goers to look for better prospectus while in the service. therefore, one eye kept open for hunting better jobs.In the event of the new job they will leave previous employer with or with the completion of stipulated contract and returns to country of origin to take up new lucrative job once again.In the process the trade secret of the previous employer would be shared with the new employer.Such cap is there in the most of gulf countries. NOC system from the previous employer also must to take up new job with a new sponsor.

    DisAgree [50] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • MUDASSAR, mangalore

    Sun, May 11 2014

    ismail bhai did u settle in
    INDIA

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Muscat: Two-year ban on expats returns from July 1



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