Oman Extended Expat Visa ban for certain professions

 The temporary visa ban on expats in Oman working in three different professions has been extended for another six months, according to the Minister of Manpower, Abdullah Al Bakri.

Article 1 of Decision No 208/2018 states, "The temporary non-authorization to recruit non-Omani manpower to private sector enterprises for activities referred to in ministerial decision 122/2014, will continue for another six months starting from July 1, 2018." The activities listed in the ministerial decision No. 122/2014 are carpentry, metal, Aluminum workshops, and Brick factories. This decision comes at the end of a six-month ban which began on January 1, 2018.

Ministerial Decision No. 207/2018 extends the ban on recruiting non-Omani workers to private sector establishments for professions specified in ministerial decision No. 608/2013, for another six months starting from May 31, 2018. The occupations listed in decision No. 608/2013 are salesmen and purchase representatives. This extension comes towards the end of the six-month ban which began on November 30, 2017.

The Ministerial Decision No. 206/2018 extends the ban on recruiting non-Omani workers in construction and cleaning sectors, as specified in ministerial decision No. 338/2014, for another six months starting from June 1, 2018. This decision comes at the end of a six-month ban which began on December 1, 2017.

These decisions are not related to the Ministerial Decision No. 38/2018 issued on January 24, 2018, that temporarily banned recruiting expatriates to 78 jobs. "An update will be issued regarding this decision once the six-month period temporary ban is completed," an official from the Ministry of Manpower said.

Additionally, in all cases, the temporary suspension does not include replacement of existing employees.