Women employees not allowed to sponsor their families
I am a female working with a reputed private company with a salary of OMR2,000 per month. Why isn’t it possible for me to sponsor my husband and children on my visa? It is allowed in the UAE but not here. Is there any plan for the Omani government to implement this system in the future? Anonymous We cannot speculate on any likely future decisions of the government through this column. This is not the purpose of Torch or the Readers’ Club. Every country has its own sets of rules and regulations. No one can question the reasons and rationale behind each and every decision of the government or any statutory bodies. It is also not good to draw parallels between one country and another. In Oman, women employees are not allowed to sponsor their families except under special circumstances, subject to the approval of higher authorities. I have been working with an Omani organisation since July, 2013 (approximately eight months now) as a sen- ior accountant. I have the family status and get annual ticket for self and family members. As I am planning to leave the organisation by the end of this month, I want to know about the following issues:
If I leave the organisation before completion of one year of service, am I eligible for gratuity for the period; leave salary for the period; and return ticket to my native place?
Can the company in any case, as per law/management decision, hold my above referred benefits? If yes, what options are left with me? Can I approach the ROP or the Ministry of Manpower? What other deduction can the company make from my full and final settlement? They have paid my recruitment charges to a consultant, which amounts to one month’s basic salary, which is OMR600. Are they entitled to deduct the amount from my salary?
As per my contract, nothing has been mentioned about such deductions. Vinod Kumar Since you have not completed one year of continuous service, you will not be eligible for any gratuity. However, you will be entitled to all accrued leave benefits as of your date of leaving the employer’s services.
You will be given a ticket to your home town since it is the responsibility of the employer to repatriate you to your home country when your relationship with the employer comes to an end. You would have to comply with payment of recruitment fee, etc. if your employment contract has specific provisions regarding the same.
In case of any dispute, you may approach the Ministry of Manpower. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this column are for general guidance purposes only. They are based on facts presented to us and are not substituted for expert legal advice. Readers are advised to seek legal assistance for specific legal issues. Times of Oman and Khalifa Al Hinai Advocates & Legal Consultancy do not assume any responsibility towards anyone on this matter.