MUSCAT: Starting from today (November 15), expatriate whose work permits have expired and overstayed in the country can leave the Sultanate without paying the fines and fees.
The Ministry of Labour has exempted employers and expatriate workers from all fees and fines registered against them as a result of expiry of resident cards and passports provided they leave the country for good before December 31.
Social workers and embassies have urged expat workers to make use of the scheme introduced by the government. “This is a golden opportunity for workers who are overstaying in the country with their visas expired. They should immediately make use of this short facility,” said a senior official at the Indian Embassy.
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Expats whose passports have expired can approach the respective embassies to renew their travel documents and then visit the Ministry of Labour’s office at Muscat International Airport to finalise departure procedures.
“To expedite the process, they should carry their travel documents, tickets and certificates proving infection-free status. They should also meet the travel requirements of the country to which they are travelling,” the Ministry said.
To apply for the scheme, employers must update their expat labour data and those who have any claims should approach the departments concerned within one week from the date of publication of ‘Information On Expatriate Workers’. (The information is accessible on the ministry’s website).
Expat workers who wish to leave have to make sure of the validity of their travel documents and submit an ‘Application for Departure’ via the Ministry of Labour’s website. They can also apply through Sanad offices or respective embassy.
“Seven days following the date of registration of their application, those expats wishing to leave should visit the Ministry of Labour’s office in Muscat International Airport seven hours prior to departure time. They should have a confirmed ticket, passport or valid travel document, as well as PCR test valid for 72 hours,” the statement added.
