The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security had started issuing work permits to those who had left illegally by May 30, asking them to document them. NRN Oman, citing this as impractical, has requested that work permits be issued to domestic female workers who had already arrived in Oman by November 30.
The Non-Resident Nepali Social Club (NRN), Oman, has stated that it has drawn the attention of the Nepali Embassy, stating that it is not appropriate to deny work permits to domestic workers who came to Oman after May 31, 2024.
The team led by NRN President Suresh Khadka, former President Bikal Jha and Advisor Tika Dhital submitted a memorandum to the Nepali Ambassador to Oman, Dornath Aryal, demanding the removal of discrimination against Nepali women workers. The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security had started issuing work permits to those who had gone illegally by May 30, asking them to document them. NRN Oman, citing this as impractical, has requested that work permits be issued to domestic female workers who had arrived in Oman by November 30.
'Discrimination between men and women is still seen in foreign employment opportunities. The government's reserving of women for some positions is an example of gender inequality. It is necessary to ensure equal opportunities without imposing restrictions on the basis of gender for any work,' the memorandum states.
NRN has stated that if a domestic worker wants to work in the same sponsor's (current employer) home, she should be allowed to renew her work. As the legal route for domestic workers is closed, smugglers are misusing visit visas to enter Oman.
Chairman Khadka said that free legal services should be provided to workers at risk in foreign employment. ‘The government should appoint lawyers in the embassy.’ He said that initiatives should be taken to implement a system for providing legal services through bilateral agreements. ‘It is necessary to ensure effective access that workers can easily reach, understand and use.’
There are 20,000 Nepali workers working in Oman. A large number of them are domestic workers.
