Oman extends amnesty time for illegal workers

Oman yesterday extended till the end of October an amnesty for illegal foreign workers to leave the country with being fined.

The amnesty, which began on May 3 this year, was to end today.

The amnesty has been extended for three more months for the overstaying workers, reported Times of Oman, quoting its manpower ministry.

"It will help undocumented and stranded expatriate workers to fly back to their home countries without facing any legal action," an official of the ministry told the newspaper.

The amnesty was announced to regulate the labour market in Oman, he added. Gulf News added that more than 60,000 foreigners have taken advantage of the amnesty.

According to Omani media reports, there are around 40,000 undocumented Bangladeshis, 4,000 Pakistanis and 3,000 Indians.