MUSCAT: Banks operating in Oman must use online methods for seamless transfer of salaries and bulk payments of all government and private companies, the Central Bank of Oman said on Tuesday.

According to CBO, online banking services is considered to be safe. CBO also notified banks to stop traditional methods used for transferring salaries. The apex bank has been working with relevant authorities to implement this initiative since 2019. However, due to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the deadline was extended several times. “Now, it is decided to specify February 28,  2021 as a deadline for banks to stop receiving any salary transfer files by unsecure methods,” CBO said.

“CBO would like to draw the attention of all government and private agencies/companies that banks will not receive any salary orders and recurring payments by unsecure methods. All government and private agencies/companies must cooperate with banks and adhere to the above specified date to implement this initiative at the national level for the public interest,” the statement added.