Muscat: The ROP announced the amendment to certain provisions of the Foreigners’ Residence Law. In a statement issued by Lt Gen Hasan bin Mohsin al Shraiqi, Inspector-General of Police and Customs, on Sunday, the amendment sought to revise decree number 16/95 and decree number 63/96, in view of public interest.

As per the amendment, Article 1 seeks to replace the text of the final paragraph of Article 10 of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law with the revision stating. “The competent authority may transfer the effects stipulated in Clauses (3/A, 3/B, 3/D, 3/E, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16) from this article to a work permit or temporary work if available as per the conditions, controls set by the competent authority, and after payment of the prescribed fee.” Article 2 of the amendment states that anything that contradicts this decision or contradicts its provisions shall be repealed. Article 3 of the amendment states that this decision shall be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force from the day following the date of its publication.

These amendments allow foreigners who are on a visit visa, to convert their visit visa into a work visa or a temporary work visa by applying with the relevant authorities, with all stipulations met that can enable such a transfer.