Oman, known for its thriving economy and business opportunities, frequently updates its visa regulations to balance foreign employment and local workforce development. One of the most notable measures has been the Oman visa ban, which restricts the hiring of expatriates in certain sectors.

This article explains the Oman visa ban for 2026, its affected industries, validity period, impact on businesses, and the latest travel and entry guidelines for Oman.

Oman Visa Ban Extended in 2026

The Sultanate of Oman has extended its visa ban on expatriate workers in 10 key industries for an additional six months.

Start Date: July 3, 2019 (initially imposed).
Extended Until: February 2026.
Validity: Applies to new work permits and renewals.
Affected Parties: Private sector companies and expatriates seeking employment in restricted professions.

The objective of this extension is to promote job opportunities for Omani nationals and reduce dependency on foreign workers.

Industries and Professions Affected by the Ban

Core Industries Under Restriction

Information technology & media
Insurance
Sales and marketing
Engineering and technical professions
Human resources & administration
Medical & healthcare
Aviation
Accounts & finance

Additional Skilled Trades Added

As reported by the Times of Oman, the ban was expanded to include:

Expat carpenters
Metallurgy workers
Metalworkers
Brick kiln workers

In total, 87 job roles are covered under this employment ban.

Why Was the Oman Visa Ban Introduced?

The Oman Ministry of Manpower first introduced this measure in 2018 through ministerial decree 73/2019.

Objectives

Prioritize employment opportunities for Omani nationals.
Reduce expatriate dependence in key industries.
Encourage local workforce development and training.
Align with Omanization policies aimed at strengthening the national labor market.

Impact of the Oman Visa Ban on Businesses

The visa ban has significantly influenced the private sector:

Hiring limitations: Employers are unable to recruit foreign workers for banned roles.
Operational challenges: Companies may face skill gaps where local expertise is limited.
Strategic adjustments: Organizations must invest more in training and employing local citizens.
Exceptions: Some exemptions may apply in special cases, subject to approval from authorities.

Employers are advised to consult with official travel and visa providers to confirm eligibility and possible exceptions.

Travel and Entry Guidelines for Oman in 2026

Alongside workforce regulations, Oman has also updated entry requirements for travelers.

Current Entry Rules

Omani citizens, residents with valid permits, and travelers with a valid Oman visa are allowed entry.
Families of Omani citizens and foreign nationals employed in public or private sectors with residency permits can return.
Exemptions are available for diplomats and international representatives.

COVID-19 Related Requirements

Although restrictions have been largely lifted, some health-related measures remain in place:

Travelers may need to present a valid vaccination certificate with QR code (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik, Sinopharm, Covishield accepted).
Final vaccination dose must be received at least 14 days before travel.
International health insurance covering at least one month of COVID-19 treatment is mandatory (exceptions: GCC citizens and Omani nationals).
Children under 18 and individuals with medical exemptions may be exempted from testing or vaccination proof.

Key Points to Remember

The Oman visa ban applies to specific industries only.
It impacts work visas and renewals, not tourist or business visas.
Always check updated Oman eVisa requirements before travel.
Business and tourist visas remain available through the official Oman eVisa portal.

Conclusion

The Oman visa ban for 2026 continues to shape the labor market by prioritizing opportunities for Omani citizens. While it limits expatriate employment in certain industries, the country remains open for tourism, business, and investment travel through its streamlined Oman eVisa online application system.

If you are traveling for leisure or business, ensure you apply for the correct visa type through omanievisa.com and stay updated on entry requirements before your trip.