Unlicensed employment tops list of labour violations

MUSCAT, SEPT 9
The Ministry of Labour has recorded 9,910 violations across six categories as part of its efforts to regulate the labour market and protect the business environment, with the employment of non-Omani workers in unauthorised professions accounting for the largest share of violations.
According to data issued by the ministry, 4,859 cases were recorded involving the employment of a non-Omani worker in a profession not authorised for the employer. The figure represents the highest number among the six categories monitored by the ministry.
The data highlight the ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen compliance with labour regulations and ensure that workers are employed in accordance with the permits and professional classifications approved for establishments. The second-highest category involved 1,952 cases of workers leaving their authorised employer, while 1,117 cases were recorded for employing non-Omani workers in professions designated for Omanisation. The figures also included 962 cases related to failure to return a worker to his or her country or allowing the worker to continue working after the expiry of the employment contract for more than 60 days.
In addition, the ministry recorded 786 cases involving the employment of non-Omani workers without a valid work permit, while 234 cases involved employing a non-Omani worker by an employer who was not authorised to employ the worker.
The 4,859 cases involving employment in unauthorised professions account for the majority of cases.
A total of 1,117 violations were recorded in cases where non-Omani workers were employed in professions designated for Omanis.
The figure highlights the importance of compliance with Omanisation policies and the regulations governing the employment of national workers in targeted occupations.
Another category recorded by the ministry involved 962 cases where workers were not returned to their countries or continued working after the expiry of their employment contracts for more than 60 days.
The ministry also recorded 786 cases involving the employment of non-Omani workers without a work permit. Work permits serve as one of the main mechanisms for regulating the entry and employment of non-Omani workers and ensuring that their employment corresponds with the approved occupation and employer.
A further 234 cases involved workers being employed by an employer who was not authorised to employ them.