Oman’s illegal workers may avoid penalties

Filipinos and other illegal foreign workers in Oman may be allowed to leave the Sultanate without being penalized, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The Omani Ministry of Manpower extended the deadline for its amnesty program until May 31, it added. "The program requires illegal expatriate workers to leave the Sultanate without paying penalties for overstaying and for having expired or no labor identification cards, provided that they pay for the costs of their one-way ticket to their countries of origin," the DFA said in its website. But Philippine Embassy in Muscat Charge d'Affaires Lamberto Monsanto warned that those applying for amnesty will have their names published in widely-circulated newspapers before clearance for exit is given. Publicizing their names will allow interested parties, such as employers, who may have complaints or claims against illegal workers, could prevent their departure. Illegal workers will not be allowed to return to Oman for at least two years, he added. The DFA said the Philippine Embassy has so far received 170 applications and has issued 61 travel documents to those who have no passports. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV