Oman tightens visa rules for expats moving jobs

Oman has tightened the rules on expats moving between jobs by insisting they have to have completed at least two years in a post before transferring to another employer.

From 1 June, expats who haven't completed two years in a role will have to leave Oman for two years before returning to take on another role.

The government had previously placed a ban on the hire of any expat construction workers or cleaners for a six-month period, which it recently extended by a further six months.

The rules are aimed at supporting the Omani Ministry of Manpower's long-term goal of reducing the amount of expats employed in the private sector from 40% to 33%.

Expat women have also been banned from taking up many posts, while a joint task force has been set up by the Ministry of Manpower, Muscat Municipality and the Royal Oman Police to co-ordinate raids on any homes expected of housing illegal immigrants.

Redha Juma Mohamed Ali Al Saleh, a vice-chairman for administration and finance affairs at the Oman Chanber of Commerce and Industry, told the Times of Oman that the new rules should be welcomed.

"The decision will help the private sector as it will help minimise the number of hidden businesses that are taking advantage of the current situation," he said.