Sunday 22 / December / 2024
Lots of stories made headlines this week, not just from the country but from around the GCC region as well. Here are Times of Oman's top five stories from the past week, in our News Rewind:
The Ministry of Manpower issued Ministerial Decision, No. 187/2017, to extend a previous temporary visa ban on non-Omani labour force for certain professions in the private sector, specified in previous Decision No. 608/2013. The temporary ban will be extended by another six months, beginning on June 1, 2017.
A toddler died after she was left in a parked car outside the family home in sweltering summer heat. Her parents took her to hospital as soon as they discovered her but she was declared dead on arrival, a hospital spokeswoman said.
The Royal Oman Police also unveiled a new visa system, making it easier for companies to process eVisas. Under this system, companies may now register their establishments, submit an accreditation request and receive approval for eVisas.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Egypt announced their plans to cut off all diplomatic relations with Qatar as well as close all land, sea and air ports with the state of Qatar, per the news agencies of these countries.
The resulting travel restrictions led to Oman Air announcing that they would fly larger capacity planes to Doha after some countries suspended flights to Qatar. The airline also helped by organising charter flights for stranded passengers.
