(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- An Omani government unit is conducting an online poll on the No Objection Certificate (NOC) rule which came into effect on July 1, 2014. The Implementation Support and Follow-Up Unit (ISFU) is seeking opinions on whether NOC for expats changing jobs should be removed or not through a poll on its Twitter account.
At the time of going to the press, 64 per cent had voted for the NOC removal while 28 per cent said it should stay. The voting will continue for the next six days.
IFSU was established by a Royal Decree in 2016 and reports to the Minister of Diwan of Royal Court. The unit looks after the implementation of Tanfeedh (National Program for Enhancing Economic Diversification).
While some people voted for keeping the NOC regulation in place to prevent expats from shifting jobs and protecting company secrets, others feel that its removal will open up Oman as a free and fair country to work in and do business.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Ahmed al Hooti, a member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, 'NOC must go for the free movement of workers but there are many things that need to be considered. There should be some kind of mechanism to avoid the misuse of NOC. If it's removed, businesses will be affected. Employees would leave with company secrets affecting the overall business environment.'
Manpreet Singh, chairman, Indian Social Club Salalah and a businessman, said that NOC rule should not be removed as many small businesses will be affected. 'Companies normally spend a lot to bring in an employee from abroad. If the same person is offered some RO50 or more, he will dump the employer and move on.'
Singh said it is obvious that employees would want the removal of NOC as 'it's a win-win situation for them'.
An expatriate employee said that free movement of workers ensures more productivity and will encourage foreign investments.
'New investors always look for talented people. Employees should be allowed to switch jobs. It's good for the economy. It's good for your personal growth too. There shouldn't be any problem if an employee has completed a contract.'
Mohammed al Khaldi, board member of the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions, had mixed views on the subject.
'Removal of NOC is good for employees but at the same time it will harm employers. In the first place, the rule should have been implemented keeping the interests of both employers and employees in mind. Now, it seems it's going to be tough to make a decision.'
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