New Labour Ministry Service Transfer Rules for Absent Workers: Implications for Business Operations in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has issued an official notice regarding the process for transferring the services of workers with an active work abandonment report, specifically during the grace period designated for rectifying employment statuses.
According to the notice, employers are permitted to transfer the services of these workers, regardless of whether their residency cards are expired or valid, as long as no active labor violation report exists. The Ministry confirmed that transfer requests meeting these criteria will be automatically approved.
To take advantage of this facilitation measure, employers must submit a service transfer request through the Ministry’s electronic system. Upon receiving approval, they are required to visit the appropriate administrative division within the Ministry—such as the Directorate, Department, or Section for Labor Welfare—to obtain a notification letter. This letter is essential for lifting the worker’s travel ban or alert associated with the work abandonment report. The final step involves completing the service transfer procedures with the Royal Oman Police.
The Ministry has highlighted that this service is available only during the grace period and will no longer be accessible once the period ends.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent regulations from the Ministry of Labour create an opportunity for businesses in Oman to manage workforce challenges effectively, especially amid labor abandonment issues. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should act promptly to capitalize on this grace period; failure to do so may lead to missed chances and increased operational risks as the window for service transfers soon closes. As firms adapt to these changes, honing strategies for worker retention and compliance will be crucial for sustainable growth.
