Oman's Ministry of Labour will end its labour status correction deadline by December 31 this year, offering workers and employers two days to regularise employment without penalties.

Ministry announced the extension on July 28 following numerous appeals from individuals, employers and workers across the sultanate. Original deadline was set for July 31 this year.

"This extension is aimed at allowing the largest possible number of beneficiaries to finalise their legal requirements," ministry stated in a circular, stressing this will be the final grace period.

Amnesty initiative, introduced in January and approved by Council of Ministers, includes exemptions and waivers exceeding OMR 6 crore (approximately Tk 1,906 crore). Programme became effective from February 1 this year.

Key measures include cancellation of fines for expired labour cards inactive for more than seven years. Workers who left Oman before 2017 receive exemption from repatriation ticket costs. Labour cards unused for over 10 years will be cancelled, though these can be reactivated under certain conditions.

Companies officially liquidated can have financial obligations waived provided their employees are repatriated or transferred to other employers. During amnesty period, fines associated with labour cards will be dropped if employers renew cards, pay fees for two years and cancel existing work abandonment reports.

Ministry directed all relevant departments and agencies to implement the new deadline in line with public interest. Officials emphasised no applications will be accepted beyond December 31 deadline.

Ministry reiterated the amnesty extension aims to create a balanced, legally compliant labour market, protect rights of all parties and improve regulatory oversight. Beneficiaries are advised to complete procedures via ministry's official website and authorised service channels.

Shift particularly benefits Bangladeshi migrant workers, who form a significant portion of Oman's expatriate workforce.

Source: Ministry of Labour, Oman and Muscat Daily.