With the new fees for expatriate work permits coming into force from June 1, the Oman Chamber of Commerce has said that it will positively impact the country as an attractive destination.
Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Ridha bin Juma al Saleh, Chairman of OCCI, said that the government is not looking to raise revenues from these fees but, it wants more investors to invest and bring business to the country.
"This revision of fees will only help businesses here, and it will encourage to speed up the process of providing more jobs to citizens. It may be noted that there have been no Omanisation percentage targets. As economies grow, it will also generate more jobs for citizens."
He added that the government had also been helping the private sector by providing RO 200 for monthly wages of fresh recruitments for two years.
On taking advantage of the World Cup in Qatar, he said, "The OCCI has no direct role with regard to making arrangements, but will cooperate and support the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to get more visitors to the country. We will encourage the SMEs to set up stalls and shops in Qatar during the World Cup as this project was successful during the Expo 2020 in Dubai."
Considering the factor that new work fees will come into effect from June 1, the Ministry of Labour has waived off penalties for delay in the renewal of their work permits, provided that the process is completed before September 1 of this year.
At the same time, the private sector has been urged to take advantage of the situation and stipulates efforts to revitalize the global economy.
A 30 percent discount will be granted to companies that abide by the Omanisation percentage.
"The commercial fees of RO 201-301 have been divided into three categories, and Omanisation percentage will be determined for each of these categories."
The ministry said that R0 301 would be levied for senior and supervisory professions (managers, presidents, specialists, and consultants, while a discount of 30 percent (RO 201) will be granted to companies that abide by the Omanisation percentage. For technical and specialist jobs, RO 201 will be levied, while a 30 percent discount (RO 176) will be granted to companies that maintain the Omanisation percentage.
In category three, RO 201 will be charged for unskilled jobs companies following the Omanisation percentage will have to pay only RO 141.
In a statement, the Ministry of Labour said that fee reduction would lead to reducing the burdens of commercial activities due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It will help expand commercial activities and facilitate investment and provide accurate knowledge of the types of professions and specializations required for the labor market. It will increase the number of generic jobs suitable for job-seekers and provide incentives."
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