Violators of COVID protocols in Oman to face deportation

Our Correspondent

Oman media has reported that people in the sultanate who were found violating COVID-19 protocols set by the Supreme Committee were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of OMR1,000 followed by deportation in the case of expatriates.

“The primary courts in the governorates of Muscat, Ad Dakhiliyah, and Al Batinah South during the period from November 15 to 19, 2020 issued a number of criminal judgments against those violating the decisions of the Supreme Committee (COVID-19),” the Public Prosecution said. “The Public Prosecution launched investigation into an incident where four defendants were found violating the decisions of the Supreme Committee (leaving homes at the time of movement ban, non-compliance with home quarantine), and accordingly they were referred to the competent courts, and awarded sentences ranging from six months imprisonment to a fine of OMR1,000.”

Fine waivers see expats scurrying to return home

Oman’s Ministry of Labour announced that residents will be exempt from all fees and fines relating to work permits, provided they leave the Sultanate for good before December 31, 2020. This has seen expats from the Indian subcontinent making a beeline to make use of the offer.

The Labour Ministry’s announcement is in line with the decision of the Supreme Committee to help expatriates who wish to return to their home countries. Employees as well as employers will be exempted from work permit-related fines. This decision is effective from November 15 to December 31.
The Indian Embassy has set up a special desk to facilitate registering with Oman Labour Ministry’s website.

The Sri Lankan Social Club in Oman is offering assistance to repatriate up to 3,000 Sri Lankans stranded in the country. Since the number of Sri Lankans in Oman is small, SLSC has been able to provide food and accommodation, besides medical supplies to those in need.