The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Oman has successfully repatriated 32 stranded Sri Lankan migrant workers in August.
These individuals had entered Oman on visit or tourist visas in search of employment but ended up overstaying their visas without finding proper jobs. This issue of migrants arriving on visit visas and then overstaying due to a lack of viable employment is a challenge faced by many potential workers.
The Sri Lankan Embassy worked in collaboration with the Omani Foreign Ministry and the Department of Immigration of the Royal Oman Police to facilitate the repatriation. The embassy assessed the circumstances and requirements of the stranded workers and obtained a visa overstay penalty waiver for them.
They also provided essential humanitarian support, including medical assistance, accommodation, and access to basic necessities throughout the repatriation process.
The embassy strongly advises Sri Lankans not to arrive in Oman on visit or tourist visas without confirmed jobs, as many workers continue to fall victim to human traffickers and end up in difficult situations. They urge individuals to seek jobs only through licensed agencies and register with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) before coming to Oman.
