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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Oman has imposed a six-month ban on hiring expatriates in 87 positions in 10 different industries, including information and technology, marketing and sales, insurance and engineering.
What does the change mean? The measure, which is aimed at helping Oman’s domestic workforce, means that employers will not be able to hire expatriates to fill jobs in any of the affected positions for six months. Foreign nationals who are already working in the country will be able to work until their work permit expires. It is not yet clear whether renewal applications will be affected.
Additional information: Oman’s Ministry of Manpower recently imposed the ban, aiming to help Omani nationals find jobs that might otherwise go to foreign workers. News outlets reported that the ban was put in place following protests last week from Omani workers demanding jobs. The Times of Oman reported that the following industries are affected:
A list of the 87 positions that will be covered by the six-month expatriate hiring ban is available here.
Exemptions: Article 2 of the ministry’s decree exempts Omani business owners from the ban if they meet all of the following conditions: (1) the owner of the company is also the manager, (2) the company is registered with the Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada), and (3) the company is registered with social security. In order to register as an SME in Oman, a company must:
BAL Analysis: A number of countries in the Middle East and elsewhere are adopting immigration measures aimed at protecting their local workforces. The change in Oman represents one of the region’s most dramatic attempts to protect domestic workers. Employers with questions about whether they will be able to recruit expatriate workers for specific jobs should contact BAL.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Oman. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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