Saturday 26 / September / 2026
Muscat: The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in India has proposed a three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026, which is likely to cause some disruption to banking and financial services across India.
However, remittance services from Oman are not expected to be directly affected by the strike, said R. Madhusoodanan, a former SBI official and financial expert said.
“Major public sector banks and private sector banks in India will be functioning on Sunday, September 27, as directed by the Reserve Bank of India. This provides an opportunity for customers, including expatriates, to complete important banking transactions before the commencement of the strike,” he added.
The additional working day has been arranged because the strike follows the September 26-27 weekend, potentially creating an extended disruption to branch-based banking.
Madhusoodanan further point out that “With internet banking, mobile banking applications and UPI services continuing to function, retail customers may not experience significant difficulties in carrying out routine digital transactions.”
“ATMs are also expected to remain operational. Several banks, including SBI, have announced measures such as waiver of certain ATM usage charges during the strike period,” he added.
Although remittances from Oman can be initiated as usual through exchange-houses and digital channels, technical issues, compliance-related verification or other processing requirements at the receiving bank in India could take longer than normal during the strike.
“Therefore, expatriates who have urgent financial commitments in India may consider sending their remittances early on Sunday, September 27, to minimise the possibility of delays,” he further said.
Another factor that could contribute to delays is the banking calendar immediately after the strike. Banks are expected to reopen on October 1, while October 2 is a bank holiday on account of Gandhi Jayanti. In addition, September 30 marks the half-yearly closing of bank accounts, which could result in additional operational pressure and increased customer transactions.
“Consequently, there could be a considerable rush when banks reopen after the strike, particularly because of the combination of the strike, the subsequent holiday and half-yearly closing-related work,” Madhusoodanan said.
“While digital banking channels are expected to continue functioning, customers should not wait until the last minute for urgent transactions. Expatriates in Oman may therefore consider completing important remittances and other banking transactions on Sunday itself, as a precautionary measure,” he added.
