Muscat: Oman has announced that only expatriates who have had their resident cards expire after March 2020 will be exempt from paying associated fines before they permanently leave the country.
The Labour Ministry said that the opportunity is only available to residents who plan on leaving the country before the end of the year, Times of Oman reported.
Although, it does not apply to those who have been dismissed from their work, or those who were asked to leave the country, during or before February 2020.
"This facility has been made available to only those whose resident cards have expired during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are required to pay fees and fines associated with them, but were unable to because of the closure of services belonging to the Royal Oman Police," said a statement from the ministry.
"This provision does not include those non-Omani workers who were required to leave the Sultanate before February 2020."
Information Minister and Supreme Committee for dealing with Covid-19 member Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi said violations, whatever its kind, cannot be normally waived, but if it is related to the conditions that are a result of the pandemic it is a different situation.
"Any worker belonging to the non-Omani workforce who has had a violation during the pre-Corona period cannot be exempted from it."