The Ministry of Labour has extended the earlier announced grace period for companies to change the status of their expatriate employees until January 21. This will help its efforts to regulate the labour market.

The decision allows modifying the professions of the non-Omani workforce from the banned sectors to other professions or vice versa. The companies will also be permitted to amend occupations at different professional levels in accordance with the requirements of the profession.

‘The decision allows transfer of non-Omani manpower data from one activity to another in the same establishment according to the licensing requirements of the business. The decision allows amending the wages of the non-Omani workforce according to the approved work contract,’ a ministry statement said.

The decision gives permission to transfer non-Omani manpower services from one employer to another according to the controls and prescribed conditions. Also, an employer may apply for a licence to recruit and engage in work a non-Omani from inside Oman in the suspended activities if conditions are met.

The decision also allows the employer to cancel the work permit after paying the necessary fees and fines resulting from the expiration of the worker’s licence.