MUSCAT: Oman will implement the new work permit fees for expat workers starting from June 1, the Ministry of Labour has announced.

In January, the Ministry announced the new fee structure for employers with increased fees for hiring expatriate workers. “The Ministry of Labour announces through the Ministerial Decision No. ( 2021/12) that the new fees for work permits for non- Omani workforces for upper and intermediate occupations and technical and specialised professions, as well as for new work permits and fees for new businesses, will be in force starting from 1/6/2021,” the statement said.

According to the decision issued in January, the new fee structure will cost OMR 2,001 to recruit expats in top positions, OMR 1,001 for mid levels, and OMR 601 for technical and skilled workers.

The decision was made to increase Omanization, the nationalization program of various jobs in the Sultanate.

“This decision will include new application and previously submitted requests in the event that the employers have not initiated the fee payment due before the date of implementation of this decision,” the statement added.

Economic Stimulus plan
Meanwhile, as per the Economic Stimulus Plan for establishments, there will be a fee reduction of the expatriate workforce recruitment permits as specified in the Ministerial Decision (12/2021) for upper and intermediate occupations and technical and specialized professions.

“The fees will be reduced by 25 percent for establishments that have Omani workforces and 50 percent for establishments that have achieved the Omanisation rate. The Omanisation rate will be calculated according to the distribution of workers on the establishment’s various economic activities,” the statement from Ministry of Labour added.