Suspension Extended for the Recruitment of Foreign Nationals Across Various Industries
June 25, 2018

The situation
The Ministry of Manpower in Oman is extending a suspension of the recruitment of foreign nationals in 87 professions through January 30, 2019.
A closer look
The affected industries continue to be as follows:
- Professions in the information and technology sector, including:
- Computer engineer;
- Graphic designer; and
- Information security specialist.
- Technical professions, including:
- Building technician;
- Electronic technician; and
- Construction technician.
- Engineering sector professions, including:
- Civil engineer;
- Mechanical engineer; and
- Projects engineer.
- Professions in the administration and human resources sector, including:
- Administration Director;
- Business Administration Specialist; and
- Public Relations Specialist.
- Other professions including some in the following industries:
- Accounting and finance;
- Aviation;
- Insurance;
- Media and information; and
- Medicine.
The same exemptions for employers and foreign nationals as under the initial suspension continue to apply.
Impact for employers
Employers will need to continue to hire local workers in all the affected positions until the suspension is lifted.
Impact for foreign nationals
Foreign nationals cannot work in the above listed professions until the suspension is over.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping France’s immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Awards
Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot and Senior Counsel David Crawford are recognized in Uglobal Immigration Magazine’s 2025 Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys list.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter addresses the rise in Polish citizenship refusals and the impact of automated decision-making on individual cases.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Associate Veronica Ciocea and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale analyse the UK government’s A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation and its potential implications for the aviation sector, including proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, settlement timelines and dependant eligibility.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses how recent US immigration policy changes, including potential impacts on the H-1B lottery, are shaping employer planning.
Media mentions
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping France’s immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Awards
Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot and Senior Counsel David Crawford are recognized in Uglobal Immigration Magazine’s 2025 Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys list.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter addresses the rise in Polish citizenship refusals and the impact of automated decision-making on individual cases.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Associate Veronica Ciocea and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale analyse the UK government’s A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation and its potential implications for the aviation sector, including proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, settlement timelines and dependant eligibility.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses how recent US immigration policy changes, including potential impacts on the H-1B lottery, are shaping employer planning.
Media mentions

