Muscat: The Minister of Labour decision 452/2024 to temporarily suspend permits for the employment of expatriate workers in specific professions for six months will come into effect from September 1.
The decision stated that the issuance of trading permits for the employment of non-Omani workers in private sector establishments for the professions is suspended for six months, but permits may be issued for the employment of non-Omani workers in the professions listed provided that the request for renewal or transfer of services is submitted from within the Sultanate of Oman.
The professions include construction worker/general, cleaning worker/general buildings, loading and unloading worker, bricklayer, steel fixer, tailor/women’s clothing/general, tailor/men’s clothing/general, electrician/general electrical installations, waiter, painter, chef/general, electrician/home installations and barber.
The ministry said all units of the state’s administrative apparatus and government companies should not deal with private sector establishments that do not adhere to the Omanisation targets.
According to sources in the ministry and experts’ reactions, such decisions have been taken previously for short periods.
On occasions, they said these suspensions are extended for a further six months depending on prevailing circumstances.
Reports indicate that there has been an increase in the number of expatriates on the ‘suspended list’ of professions, and most violations were also reported from those employed in such jobs.
