Illegal OFWs in Oman told to leave before August crackdown

First posted 04:25pm (Mla time)
July 24, 2005
INQ7.net

THE Department of Labor and Employment on Sunday urged overstaying Filipinos in the Sultanate of Oman to leave the country before its scheduled August crackdown on foreigners with expired visas.

Oman-based labor attach Eleuterio Cojuangco said he is making the call to the estimated 2,300 to 2,500 overstaying undocumented OFWs in the sultanate after the Royal Oman Police (ROP) ordered foreign workers and other expatriates in Oman with expired visit or tourist visas to leave the country on or before the August 19 deadline.He said the order is part of the sultanate's bid to rid itself undesirable aliens.

Acting Labor Secretary Manuel Imson, for his part, urged the families of OFWs who are working illegally in Oman, or whose visas have already expired or about to expire to tell their relatives about the crackdown. He said that to avoid consequences that may pose a threat to their lives and welfare, affected OFWs may seek assistance from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Oman.

To encourage voluntary departure before August 19, Cojuangco said, the ROP would only impose a fine to overstaying foreigners when they leave through Al Seeb International Airport and would not be detained and charged for violating Oman immigration laws.

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