Muscat: The citizens of the country have expressed their approval of the recent decision by the Ministry of Labour, which announced that the Council of Ministers has sanctioned a financial relief package exceeding OMR60 million.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve workforce conditions and safeguard the rights of both individuals and business owners, thereby contributing positively to the regulation of the labour market.
A statement confirmed the annulment of all fines and financial obligations owed to the Labour Ministry for expired labour cards that had been valid for a duration of seven years. Furthermore, individuals and business owners will no longer be required to pay any registered financial dues, including the cost of deportation tickets for workers, for the year 2017 and prior.
The Ministry also stated that labour cards that have been active for ten years without any service applications will be cancelled. However, a note will accompany the cancellation notification, indicating that these cards can be reactivated under specific circumstances such as “renewal application,” “worker’s departure,” “transfer of services,” and “reporting of absconding labour.”
Additionally, the Ministry announced the cancellation of financial liabilities for liquidated companies, contingent upon the deportation of their workers or the transfer of their services to other entities.
Moreover, the Ministry introduced a grace period of six months starting from February 1, 2025, to assist relevant parties in streamlining the conditions for workers and employers. During this period, they will be exempt from fines related to labour cards, provided that the labour card is renewed, the renewal fee for the subsequent two years is paid, the report of leaving work is rescinded, the worker’s services are transferred, and the cost of the travel ticket is covered by either the employer or the worker in the event of a worker’s final exit.
The Ministry of Labour announced that it will start accepting applications concerning this issue from 1 February 2025 to 31 July 2025, via the Ministry’s website and various service delivery points.
In response to this announcement, numerous citizens commended the government's initiative. Mohammed, a resident of Suwaiq, remarked, “This is a courageous move by the government to improve workforce conditions and protect the rights of both individuals and business owners.”
Badar Khalfan, a small business owner in Muscat, shared his relief, stating, "This decision will greatly alleviate the financial strain on businesses, particularly for those struggling with past penalties and fines. It marks a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable business climate."
Jamal Abdullah, a resident of South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, lauded the government's strategy of balancing economic and humanitarian factors. "The cancellation of fines for long-expired labour cards and the provision for reactivation under certain conditions reflect a fair and compassionate approach. This will also motivate more individuals to regularize their status."
“This policy upholds the rights of workers and contributes to a regulated labour market. It benefits both employees and employers,” Jamal further commented.
