MUSCAT: Oman’s decision to remove No Objection Certificate (NOC) rule will support the country’s efforts to combat hidden trade, a statement from the Government Communication Centre (GC) said.

On June 7, Oman announced its plan to remove the No Objection Certificate (NOC) rule, paving way for hundreds of workers to switch jobs.

Starting from January 1, 2021, expat workers in Oman can switch employers more easily, provided they complete the contract period with their previous company.

“It will reduce the ability of some employers to benefit from conditions accompanying the presence of a no-objection certificate,” the statement said.

Under current rules, if an expat does not obtain an NOC, they are banned from working in Oman for two years. However, the new amendment issued on Sunday, allows an employee to move from one company to another, provided they show the proof of their end of contract.

“The decision will also contribute to reducing cases of expat workers running away from employers, especially those under pressure from employers who have the right to issue a no-objection certificate and deprive a person to work in Oman within two years of the end of his contract,” the statement added.

The NOC rule which was implemented in 2014, forced many expats to either stay in the same company or pursue new carriers in other countries. “It was a long wait. Over the last six years, some media celebrated it to increase their ratings, and there was so much sensationalism around the NOC with many speculations. Thankfully, it is all over now. We are happy that the government took this decision. I am sure this will certainly help hundreds of expat workers in the country,” said Mohammed Aslam, who is working as a senior marketing executive in a building materials company in Muscat.