MUSCAT: As of January 1, non-Omanis will no longer be issued new visas for employment as carpenters, metallurgists, blacksmithsor in brick-kiln jobs, according to the Ministry of Manpower.
In November 2016, the ministry extended its three-year-old decision to not issue visas for workers in several professions in the private sector by another six months. Prominent among the categories included visas for construction workers, cleaners, as well as sales and marketing professionals.
The ban on all categories, except carpenters, metallurgists, blacksmiths and brick-kiln workers, came into effect on December 1, 2016.
The first six-month ban on new visas for construction workers and cleaners started in November 2013, while restrictions on sales and marketing professionals, and camel keepers, took effect on December 1, 2013.
The initial six-month ban on carpenters, metallurgists, blacksmiths and brick kiln workers began on January 1, 2014.
The decisions states that the freeze will apply only to new visas,and not renewals.
The decision will not affect companies registered as excellent or of international grade, consultanciesor those carrying outgovernment projects.
The decision will also not apply to companies that are managed full-time by their owners and registered with Riyada, and insured with the Public Authority for Social Insurance.
