Over 2,000 expatriates deported last month

Times News Service

MUSCAT: More than 2,000 expats were deported in March and almost 3,000 arrested by the Ministry of Manpower, for “violating labour laws.”

A total of 2,969 individuals were arrested by the joint inspection team involving the Ministry of Manpower, the Royal Oman Police and other agencies.

Inspection campaign

The inspection campaign took place between March 3 to 30. Of the total expats arrested, 1,234 left their jobs, 1,404 were freelance workers, and 231 were referred by other agencies.

Muscat, the capital, recorded the highest number of arrests with 1,772 followed by Northern Al Batinah with 470 during the 27 days. The week that saw the highest number of arrests and deportation was between March 15 and 21. During that week, a total of 1,077 expats were arrested and another 569 deported.

The authorities are currently taking the appropriate legal action against the workers.