In a move aiming to boost employment opportunities for Omani nationals, the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Labour has imposed a six-month ban on issuing work permits for expatriates in 13 specific professions. This decision, effective September 1, 2024, is set to impact hundreds of expats working in the construction, services, and trade sectors.

The ban was implemented based on the Labour Law issued by Royal Decree No. (53/2023), and to the service guidelines provided by the Ministry of Labour for trading permits issued under Ministerial Decision No. (180/2022), and in pursuance of work interest.

This decision will come into effect on 1st September 2024. While it allows for permit renewals or transfers for requests submitted from within the Sultanate of Oman, new work permits for these professions will not be issued during the six months.

It covers a range of roles that will be affected, they are:

  • Construction workers 
  • Cleaners
  • Loaders 
  • Bricklayers 
  • Steel Fixers 
  • Tailors (Women's Clothing / General) 
  • Tailors (Men's Clothing / General)
  • Electricians / General Electrical Installations
  • Waiters
  • Painters 
  • Chefs 
  • Electricians
  • Barbers