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Expat recruitment fee hike to lower operation costs: Ministry of Labour

6 Jun 2021

The Ministry of Labour stated  that it has monitored what circulated on social media on the subject of raising fee for permits of non-Omani manpower functioning in upper- and medium-level positions, as well as technical and specialist jobs. 

The ministry stated that ‘replacement with Omani cadres will reduce operational costs of businesses and reflect positively on the cost of services provided to the public’. 

Ministerial Decision No 12/2021 on the fee hike came into force on June 1. 

The ministry added that its specialists are prepared to hear the demands of employers. ‘It is ready to study their needs for manpower and prepare a replacement plan supported by the government, so that their operational cost is less and more efficient, even with the increase in fee for the professions referred to. The ministry is fully prepared to provide free consultation services for them in this regard,’ it stated.

It clarified further that the decision is aimed to raise the cost of expatriates in professions in which a large number of citizens, who have practical experience, are looking for work. ‘The decision coincides with the recent announcements to support jobseekers and training.’

The ministry has also announced an incentive forestablishments who fulfil Omanisation targets.

‘As per the Economic Stimulus Plan for establishments, there will be a fee reduction in expatriate workforce recruitment permits (as specified in Ministerial Decision No 12/2021) for upper and intermediate occupations, and technical and specialised professions,’ the ministry stated. 

The recruitment fee will be reduced by 25 per cent for establishments that have Omani workforce and 50 per cent for those that have achieved the Omanisation rate. 

The General Federation of Oman Workers welcomed the ministerial decision and added that it will have a positive impact on the job market and Oman’s economy.

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