Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) appealed to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday to exempt expatriate workers from medical examination fee in its efforts to support the private sector. A medical check-up is a prerequisite for new visas.

The request was raised at the OCCI Dhahirah governorate branch’s third meeting of 2022 headed by Saif bin Said al Badi, head of OCCI Dhahirah.

Badi said, “OCCI values the Royal Directives to provide facilities to small and medium enterprises, which in turn will enhance their capabilities and resources. It will also help them grow and increase their contribution to the GDP.”

Speaking to Muscat Daily, an OCCI official said, “The chamber’s members appealed to MoH to exempt expatriate workers from medical examination fee currently charged by MoH in order to facilitate business owners and support economic activity.”

All expatriate workers are required to get a medical examination done in a private sector hospital, following which, MoH stamps the medical certificate for a RO30 fee.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, expatriate workers were required to get a check-up done at MoH medical centres for visa processing and were charged RO30.

The OCCI Dhahirah branch meeting also discussed the establishment of an exhibition to promote Omani products in the governorate. The exhibition will support SMEs and encourage citizens and residents to buy Omani products.

“The meeting discussed a proposal to establish the third forum of women entrepreneurs in the governorate, which will be held soon. It will include several training courses for women entrepreneurs for the skills and expertise necessary to start new projects. The meeting also discussed a proposal to send a commercial delegation to Saudi Arabia to look for new investments opportunities,” the OCCI official.

A resolution approving the organisation of a seminar – Education, Quality and Growth – to enhance the quality of private sector education in the governorate was also passed during the meeting.