Anyone trading in No-Objection Certificates (NOC) is breaking the law, a senior official at the Ministry of Manpower said, after it emerged that some Oman-based workers were told to pay their own air fares in lieu of obtaining the document.
“Trading NOC is illegal. Companies cannot do it. If companies are demanding leaving employees to pay their own air fares in lieu of NOC rather than asking for cash, then the employees should approach the ministry complaint department. It is against law,” Said Salem Al Saadi, advisor to Minister of Manpower told.
“Companies are indebted to provide ticket for a leaving employee to his home country according to the job contract. 100 per cent it’s responsibility of the employer… If an employee is not provided the same, he should approach us and we will take up the case legally,” the advisor added.
In 2014, Omani authorities implemented a two-year visa change ban for expatriates which means they require an NOC from current employers should they wish to join another company in Oman or leave the country.
According to government officials, the rule was implemented to stop expatriates switching jobs and joining competitors.
Source: TimesOfOman