With the latest batch, over 400 stranded Lankans repatriated from Oman since Nov 2022

Sri Lanka’s embassy in Muscat, in collaboration with relevant authorities recently facilitated repatriation of 32 stranded migrant workers.

These migrants had entered Oman on visit/tourist visas with the intention of securing jobs and subsequently overstayed their visas having failed to find proper employment, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The issue of migrant workers arriving on visit/tourist visas and then overstaying due to lack of viable employment has been a challenge faced by many potential workers. From November 2022 to date the Sri Lanka Embassy in Oman has facilitated repatriation of more than 400 stranded migrants with the support of relevant Omani authorities.

The Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Oman identified the group of 32 stranded illegal migrants and their situation was individually assessed to understand their circumstances and requirements.  The Embassy engaged with the respective Government stakeholders in Oman to obtain visa overstay penalty waiver for the said group along with the necessary documentation and travel arrangements for repatriation. Throughout the repatriation process, the stranded workers were provided with essential humanitarian support, including medical assistance, accommodation, and access to basic necessities by the Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Oman.  The Oman Sri Lanka Social Club and many well-wishers supported the Embassy during this process.

The Embassy wishes to strongly advice Sri Lankans not to arrive on visit/tourist visa without confirmed jobs, since many male and female workers are continuing to fall victims to human traffickers and end up in the streets under harsh weather conditions.  Hence, the Embassy requests all Sri Lankans to seek jobs only through licensed agencies and register with the SLBFE before arriving in Oman.