MUSCAT — Authorities in Oman have decided not to bar expatriates whose work visas have expired from returning to the Sultanate, dealing a devastating blow to thousands of foreign workers who are stranded above due to the suspension of international flights in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Announcing the decision at a press conference following a meeting of the country’s supreme committee on the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, Brig. Said Al Asmi, director-general of Operations at Royal Oman Police, said that the issuance of work visa is currently suspended, although for family, entry is available only for those with valid residency.
Al Asmi thanked citizens and residents for their cooperation and commitment to the guidelines issued by the committee.
He said that the committee has also decided to publish names and photos of violators of coronavirus preventive measures in various media outlets.
Al Asmi said: “The decision of the Supreme Committee to publish the names and photos of the violators will be implemented by the police after the completion of the legal procedures.”
