Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has announced that the Council of Ministers has approved a comprehensive package of exemptions and financial settlements 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 labor market.
The statement confirmed the cancellation of all fines and financial obligations owed to the Labour Ministry for expired labor cards that have been in effect for 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 earlier.
The Ministry also stated that labor cards that have been active for ten years without any associated service applications will be canceled. However, a note will accompany the cancellation notification, indicating that these cards can be reactivated in cases of “renewal application,” “worker departure,” “service transfer,” or “reporting of absconding labor.”
Additionally, the Ministry announced the cancellation of financial obligations for liquidated companies, contingent upon the deportation of their workers or the transfer of their services to other entities.
Moreover, the Ministry has introduced a grace period of six months, commencing on 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 labor cards, provided that the labor card is renewed, the renewal fee for the subsequent two years is paid, the work departure report is canceled, 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 the worker's final departure.
The Ministry of Labor announced that it will start accepting applications concerning this issue from February 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted via the Ministry's website and through multiple service delivery points.
