Oman to add 5% to expat visa fee to support job fund

Oman’s Ministry of Labour said the five per cent of expat work permit renewal fees will go towards funding the Job Security System (JSS) in the Sultanate, local media reported.

The charges for renewing expat work permits will be raised accordingly, an official at the ministry told local media.

“The amount of five per cent will be added to employment visa fees issued and renewed for the non-Omani workforce,” the official said.

“This excludes special permits or private permits issued to employees working in households, such as drivers or housemaids, as well as those working on farms. For example, if the cost of the permit is right now 300 Omani riyals, then from early next year, it will cost 315 Omani riyals.”

According to the regulations of the Job Security System, any employer wishing to terminate an Omani from his service must inform the Ministry of Labour at least three months prior to the date of his dismissal.

The JSS aims to provide temporary financial benefits to Omani citizens terminated from work for reasons outside their control. Temporary financial provisions from this fund for job seekers are also expected later.

“The system also seeks to help Omani job seekers search for job opportunities and provide them with the necessary training needs to qualify them for jobs,” according to the Government Communications Centre.

Those eligible for the JSS scheme must not have a pension or social insurance and must not have left their jobs willingly. This includes voluntary resignation, the expiry of an employment contract, and agreeing with the employer to have his/her services terminated.

“The applicant must not have been dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

“They must also be able to work and must actively search for employment.

Terminated employees must apply for JSS benefits within 90 days of their dismissal. Employees, whether dismissed individually or collectively, are entitled to apply for benefits.

Those who already receiving benefits must not apply for the JSS scheme. Exempted from this is people with disabilities who receive permanent pension given to those.

Terminated employees must apply for JSS benefits within 90 days of their dismissal. Employees, whether dismissed individually or collectively, are entitled to apply for benefits.