The Ministry of Labour has clarified that new fee for expatriate work permits will come into force from June 1.
Companies and individuals will be waived off penalties for delay in the renewal of their work permits, provided that the renewal is completed before September 1 this year.
At the same time, the private sector has been urged to take advantage of the situation.
As per the Royal directives, the Ministry of Labour announced the new fee for expatriate workforce according to the profession. A 30 per cent discount will be granted to companies which abide by Omanisation percentage.
“The commercial fee of RO 201-301 have been divided into three categories and Omanisaton percentage will be determined for each of these categories.”
The ministry said that RO 301 would be levied for senior and supervisory professions (managers, presidents, specialists and consultants, while a discount of 30 per cent (RO 201) will be granted to companies which abide by Omanisation percentage.
For technical and specialist jobs, RO 201 will be levied, while a 30 per cent discount (RO 176) will be granted to companies which maintain the Omanisation percentage.
In category three, RO 201 will be charged for unskilled jobs companies following the Omanisation percentage will have to pay only RO 141.
The SMEs (Riyada cardholders) will be charged RO 101 for hiring one worker up to five workers while hiring six workers up to 10 workers will cost RO 151.
In continuation of support to small and medium enterprises, the previously applicable work permit fees for the non-Omani workforce will be maintained.
RO 101 for issuance and renewal of recruitment permits for non-Omani manpower (1 to 5 workers) and RO 151 for issuance and renewal of recruitment permits for non-Omani manpower (6 to 10 workers).
In a statement, the Ministry of Labour said that fee reduction would lead to reducing the burden of commercial activities due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It will help expand commercial activities and facilitate investment and provide accurate knowledge of the types of professions and specialisations required for the labour market. It will increase the number of generic jobs suitable for job-seekers and provide incentives to companies supporting Omanis.”
Meanwhile, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said the new measures would help improve the business environment and raise the competitiveness of the Sultanate of the Oman.
Eng Ridha bin Juma al Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said the new fee would reduce the costs of companies and institutions, and helps the private sector to be competitive for its integration with the global standards.
Al Saleh urged the private sector to take advantage of the decision and increase the pace of providing job opportunities for nationals.
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