Govt extends deadline for implementation of new prices, municipal fees

 The Council of Finance and Energy Resources has decided to postpone the implementation of the decisions regarding fees, prices and insurance for commercial entities under the municipal sector.

"The Council confirms that it has followed the results of the discussions and meetings held by the concerned parties. In light of this, it was decided to grant grace period until July 1, 2018 for institutions and companies to amend their commercial status in the light of these decisions.

"A team of concerned parties will be formed, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to evaluate the effects of these decisions, especially those of small and medium-sized enterprises."

According to the decree, the previous licensing and transaction systems will be implemented until the end of the grace period.
Sohar Municipality had begun implementing the new fees decision from January 1, Muscat Municipality from February 1, while the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources and Dhofar Municipality were meant to implement the new fees and price from March 1.

However, the Council of Finance and Energy Resources has postponed the implementation of the fees until July 1.

The changes included an increase in the amount of services fees, including hairdressing and beauty activities being increased from OMR24 to OMR75, while barber shops would have to pay OMR50, up from OMR24.

The fees for commercial complexes will be changed to OMR3,000 in Muscat Governorate and OMR1,500 in the rest of the Sultanate.

Last month, The Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) held a meeting chaired by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Board.

The board also decided to reduce the burden on its members from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), by cutting the OCCI fees for the third and fourth class members by 10 per cent for one year, and for the third and fourth degree holders of 'Riyada' cards by 20 per cent for one year.