MUSCAT: The Majlis Al Shura has asked private sector companies in the country not to deduct the salaries of employees during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This comes after the Shura Council received complaints from some citizens about deduction from their monthly salaries during the quarantined period.

“In the backdrop of such challenging situation, all the employers of private establishments are advised to extend their coordination by not deducting the salaries of their employees. They must work jointly with the government in dealing with these crisis,” a statement from Shura Council said.  

Ministry of Manpower issues statement
According to sources, some private sector companies have deducted salaries of their staff due to reduced working hours or suspending work due to coronavirus outbreak. However, Ministry of Manpower also issued a statement stating that they have met the heads of these companies and they have promised to revoke the decision. 

“With regards to what has been discussed recently regarding the deduction of salaries of employees in the private sector due to reducing working hours or suspension of work due to the current health conditions, the Ministry of Manpower has met with these companies, who in turn confirm their response to withdraw their decision to deduct or reduce the salaries of their employees in order to ensure stability within the workforce in the Sultanate,” Ministry of Manpower said in a statement on Sunday.