Muscat: Oman’s decision to exempt expatriate workers and companies from paying fines arising from expired work permits is expected to help the country regulate illegal employment and reduce the financial impact on companies.

Welcoming the decision was Eng. Redha bin Juma Al Saleh, the chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). Commenting on the ministerial decision, he said: “The decision will work to regulate the labour market and contribute significantly to adopting new policies that protect the market from illegal employment and reduce the burden on private sector companies and institutions from bearing additional financial burdens in return for reducing the number of their workers in light of the current economic conditions.”

He then praised the cooperation of the government with the OCCI in supporting private establishments, and their efforts to “enhance the Sultanate’s position, raise its economy, promote its distinguished investment environment, and raise the private sector’s contribution to national income.”