Oman Temporarily Suspends Work Permits for Certain Jobs for Six Months

The Ministry of Labor in Oman has issued Decision No. 452/2024, temporarily suspending the issuance of work permits for foreign nationals in specific jobs for a period of six months. This decision is based on Royal Decree No. 53/2023 and the Ministry of Labor’s guidelines for commercial licenses in accordance with Decision No. 180/2022, which halts the issuance of commercial licenses for hiring foreign workers in specific occupations.

According to Article 1 of this decision, the issuance of commercial licenses for the employment of non-Omani workers in private sector institutions for the jobs listed in the annex of this decision will be suspended for a period of six months.

However, Article 2 stipulates that despite the provisions of Article 1, work permits for foreign nationals in the listed jobs can still be issued, provided that the request is for renewal or transfer of services within the Sultanate of Oman.

Article 3 states that this decision will come into effect on September 1 and that the relevant authorities will be responsible for its implementation.

List of Suspended Jobs:

Last month, the Ministry of Labor identified 30 new occupations in which the employment of foreign nationals will be prohibited in order to create more job opportunities for citizens in the private sector. The ministry also announced that all government administrative units and state-owned companies should not cooperate with private sector institutions that do not adhere to Omanization objectives.

Moreover, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has informed all contractors and suppliers cooperating with the ministry in various procurement and service tenders to submit an electronic certificate issued by the Ministry of Labor. These certificates must show compliance with government-mandated Omanization percentages, provided that the certificate is valid for one month from the date of issuance.

This certificate must be presented when competing for government tenders and requesting government services. The ministry added that construction and service tenders will be awarded to companies that offer 100% Omanization rates in electrical, water, and maintenance services.

Source: Oman Temporarily Suspends Work Permits for Certain Jobs for Six Months – Oman Observer