Omani students abroad told to abide by COVID-19 precautionary measures

MUSCAT: Omani students studying abroad have been asked by the Ministry of Higher Education to take precautionary measures due to developing situations in different scholarship-offering countries as a result of the increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

“In the event that teaching is switched to electronic platforms, the students should continue classes in the country of scholarship or in the Sultanate – if they wish while at the same time ensuring the availability of equipment necessary for online study,” the ministry said.

It added that if teaching is switched to electronic platforms, and if the student is asked to leave the country of study, the student’s registration will subsist and he/ she has to comply by leaving the country of study.

In a statement, the ministry indicated that if studies are suspended permanently without any e-teaching and the student chooses to remain in the country of study, the student will receive his/her allowances as normal in order to cater to his/her livelihood needs, or he/she has to adhere to departing if the host country requests that.

The ministry called on students to complete all procedures relating to universities, housing and personal obligations before departure.

It also advised students who return without academic obligations to request postponement of the study until the situation becomes clear as to the resumption of studies.

The Ministry of Higher Education urged students of the Sultanate studying abroad to continue to take advice from the Consulate General in Melbourne and Cultural Attaché offices and supervisory authorities and universities regarding travel procedures and visa status in the current situation. Students need to take written permission from the departments concerned in the event of leaving the country of study.

The ministry instructed students to take into account the need to take all precautions for safe travel and transport as is the norm in all countries, giving priority to quarantine and by stay at the residence/hostels.

This comes in response to the decision of the Supreme Committee entrusted with studying scopes for a mechanism to handle developments resulting from COVID-19 – that all citizens and residents coming from abroad have to undergo a 14-day quarantine, said the Ministry of Higher Education, which also advised students to continue to comply with any instructions issued by the official authorities in the country of study and from the Ministry of Higher Education itself.