Expats worry for their future after MoM ban on sales jobs

The Ministry of Manpower’s (MoM) decision to not renew visas of expatriates working as sales representatives or sales promoters and purchase representatives in Oman has left the fate of many expatriate workers in limbo.

On Sunday, MoM had issued a decision banning issuing new and renewal of visas in the two job categories mentioned.

H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, issued a decision (No 47/2020) which stated these professions will henceforth be reserved for Omanis.

‘The decision prohibits hiring of expatriate manpower in private sector establishments as sales representative or sales promoters and purchase representative. These jobs are now reserved for Omanis only,’ it said.

An official from the Ministry of Manpower confirmed to Muscat Daily that visas for expatriate professionals in the mentioned job categories will not be renewed once they expire.

“The decision to impose a ban on sales jobs also applies to those expatriates looking to renew their visas.”

A private sector employee working in a company based in Muscat who wished to remain anonymous, said he was in a state of confusion since he heard about the news.

“I am worried about my future in Oman. My visa expires by the end of this year. If it cannot be renewed, then I don’t know what to do. I hope something positive comes up,” he said.

Another employee based in Seeb called MoM and requested some time so that he can plan.

“Many people will be affected and I hope more time is given so that people can be prepared. My visa expires in a few months. Let’s pray the decision is reviewed in the best interest of both employers and employees,” an expatriate based in Seeb said.

The decision was issued on January 29 and effective the next day from the date of its publication in the official gazette.