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Oman's decision to suspend issuing visas applies to all countries having workers in the oil-rich gulf country, not to Bangladesh alone, the foreign ministry explains.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday made the statement in response to media reports that the move from the major job market targeted only Bangladeshi citizens.
Bangladesh Embassy in Oman termed the decision "temporary" and was taken to bring discipline in the labour market and to stop unauthorised employment of overseas workers.
Bangladeshi nationals top the list of expatriate workers in Oman with the total reaching 703,840, followed by 530,242 Indians, according to a July report. The number increased by more than 150,000 last year.
"Due to termination of employment contracts, many foreign workers are taking jobs illegally and are staying there illegally," the Bangladesh mission said, adding that the Omani authorities plan to stop this illegal employment.
"The objective of this step is to protect the rights of workers so that they cannot be exploited," it explains, to dispel reported political implications.
The Royal Oman Police in an announcement on October 31 said, "The Royal Oman Police, within its review of the policies for obtaining some types of visas, announces the suspension of the conversion of all types of tourist and visit visas to work visas for all nationalities coming to the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the issuance of all types of visas for Bangladeshi citizens effective Tuesday, 31/10/2023, until further notice."
Oman "reiterated and affirmed" that the decision announced was in no way and under no circumstances political in nature.
Rather, the Embassy of Oman in Dhaka said, Oman recalls with utmost respect and gratitude the contributions made and being made by Bangladeshi expatriates while it values the close and brotherly relations with the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
"The decision came suddenly. It could be a very temporary measure. We have talked to our Ambassador. Hopefully, it would be resolved very soon through discussion," said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
Responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they want to convey a message to Bangladeshis that no one should go illegally. "We want regular and orderly migration."
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