Oman restricts entry of Pinoy workers

MANILA, Philippines - The Omani government has restricted the entry of Filipinos and other foreign workers in the sultanate, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said yesterday.

POEA chief Hans Cacdac said the government of Oman has ordered a freeze in the hiring of foreign workers, including Filipinos who have previously worked there.

“Oman is issuing employment visas only to expatriate workers who have stayed out of the country for at least two years from the date of their last departure,” Cacdac said.

He said the new policy affects foreign workers who have finished their contracts.

“An expatriate worker who has not completed two years after departure but was called to work for the same company is not covered by the ban,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac said Oman also imposed a ban on employment visa transfers for foreign workers with unfinished contract.

He said workers may request a “no objection certificate” from their employers to allow them to transfer to another company.     

The POEA said the prohibition on employment visa transfers took effect last June.