Decision to suspend issuing visas ‘not political’: Oman Embassy

Diplomatic Correspondent  :
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the suspension of Omani visas for Bangladesh is not politically motivated, and those who obtained their visas prior to October 31 are still eligible to travel to Oman.

The ministry, however, is optimistic that the matter would be resolved soon and they are contacting the government of Oman to lift it.

The Embassy of Oman in Dhaka on Thursday reiterated that the visa-related decision is “in no way and under no circumstances political in nature.”

Foreign Minister (FM) Dr AK Abdul Momen said this on Thursday at a curtain raiser held in the Foreign Ministry on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Saudi Arabia from Oct 5-8 to attend an international conference on “Women in Islam”.

At the press briefing, State Minster for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, said, “Those Bangladeshis who have obtained visas to Oman prior to October 31 can travel to the country. Furthermore, we hope, the visas that Oman had temporarily suspended for Bangladesh will be reopened promptly.

He also said that the diplomatic visas have not been suspended and the businessmen who have urgent need to visit to Oman can contact the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh.

Asked about the reason behind the suspension of Oman visa, Shahriar Alam said, “Half of the labour force in Oman is Bangladeshis. The labor market in any country does not have unlimited demand. However, there have been some irregularities and misuses by the middlemen in sending workers to Oman. In the future, those who intend to go to Oman must ensure valid papers and job verification.”

Foreign Minister Dr Momen said, “The visa suspension came as a surprise, and even our embassy was not informed beforehand. This announcement has come suddenly. However, many other countries have faced such trouble in the past and the visa issuance has resumed after some time.”

“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,” said a media release.

The content of the announcement issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) regarding suspension of issuance of visas for Bangladeshi nationals comes in the context of a comprehensive review process being conducted by the relevant Omani authorities with a view to streamline the regulation of foreign labour market in line with the needs and stability of Omani labour market in a way that ensures the rights of both workers and employers in accordance with labour laws, said the Embassy.

The decision to suspend issuance of visas includes other nationalities and it is temporary in nature, it said.