The number of absconding workers is on the rise despite the authorities’ efforts to curb the trend by granting them amnesty, according to Gulf News.
More than 63,000 workers fled their employers in 2016, compared to 60,000 workers in 2015, according to the figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
Economic experts attribute the reason behind workers leaving their employer to the quick money they make after working at odd jobs, especially in the construction sector.
Mohammad Al Beloushi, an economic expert, said that each worker can earn at least eight riyals per day, which is decent for him or her, compared to the monthly salary they earn from their employers — the average monthly salary is around 80 riyals.
Muscat topped other governorates in the number of absconding workers by 16,000, followed by North Sharqiyah governorate by 8,000 workers.
Omani authorities deported more than 15,000 absconding workers last year, according to figures issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).