Muscat – Oman’s decision last week to suspend issuing new visas to Bangladeshi nationals is ‘temporary in nature’ and the relevant authorities are reviewing the process for quick resumption, the Embassy of Oman in Dhaka, Bangladesh has informed.

In a statement, the embassy said that in light of media reports in Bangladesh on the announcement made by Royal Police Oman to suspend issuing visas to Bangladeshi nationals, it would provide clarification to ensure that the decision is viewed in the right context and perspective.

It added that the decision was taken after a comprehensive periodical review conducted by relevant Omani authorities of existing laws regulating the expatriate labour market ‘to ensure that it meets the current demands, maintain its stability and to protect the rights of expatriate workers and their employers in accordance with the law’.

According to the embassy statement, the decision is temporary in nature. ‘The relevant authorities are exerting all possible efforts to complete the review process as quickly as possible, after which they will resume issuing visas in accordance with the guidelines and instructions that will be concluded from the review process.’

One of the reasons for the temporary suspension, the embassy stated, is to resolve the issue of an increasing number of laid-off workers in the market who resort to working illegally without having full legal protection and rights. ‘The review will ensure that workers and employers’ rights are fully protected.’
Another objective is to ensure that companies and citizens who apply for work visas for foreign nationals actually employ them in licensed jobs and not exploit them by engaging them in illegal activities. ‘The focus ultimately is on protecting workers’ legal and human rights.’

The review will address the growing practice of some nations in imposing cumbersome, lengthy and costly conditions and procedures in the recruitment process, a practise which is counterproductive for both workers and employers, the embassy said.

It stated that Oman highly values and appreciates the contributions of the expatriate Bangladeshi labour force in the development and economic growth of the sultanate and is keen on maintaining and enhancing its close bilateral relations with Bangladesh in a way that serves the mutual interests of both countries.

‘Oman affirms, beyond an iota of doubt, that the decision is absolutely apolitical in nature.’