Oman Approves Import of 10,000 Bangladeshi Agricultural and Fishery Workers
Oman has started a targeted recruitment drive to bring 10,000 workers from Bangladesh for the agricultural and fishery sectors. Here are the key details:
- The quota is split evenly with 5,000 positions for agricultural labourers and 5,000 for fishermen.
- An agreement was signed following a meeting in Dhaka on 9 September between Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Al Sayyid Mohammed Salim Ali Al Said.
- An Omani delegation will travel to Bangladesh in October to finalize recruitment protocols.
Recruitment Details and Quota Breakdown
This development follows a meeting between Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Al Sayyid Mohammed Salim Ali Al Said, a member of the Omani royal family. Minister Islam confirmed that a formal agreement has been signed and an Omani delegation is scheduled to travel to Bangladesh in October to finalize recruitment protocols with the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment. This agreement does not constitute a full reopening of the Omani labour market for Bangladeshi nationals, as visa restrictions remain in place for several other job categories. The current government in Dhaka continues to lobby for broader access to the Omani market, which had seen visa services suspended during the previous administration. The new quota specifically serves the needs of the Oman Agricultural Association and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Impact on Regions and Application Process
For existing expatriates, the influx is significant. Farm and fishery roles are currently staffed by workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines across regions including Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Sharqiyah, and various coastal wilayats. A pilot application window for the 5,000-worker agricultural quota opened in August through the Al Dhahirah branch of the Oman Agricultural Association in Ibri. Eligible members were required to pay an annual fee of RO 25 and provide hiyaza land holding documentation, identification, a valid Ministry of Labour permit, and the 2026/27 cultivation form. Each governorate association is capped at approximately 330 workers. This policy primarily benefits registered association members, potentially creating disparities for existing farm workers whose sponsors are not members. Concerns regarding housing density and daily-wage stability in areas like Sohar, Ibri, Barka, Sur, and Seeb have been noted.
Penalties, Age Policies, and Final Instructions
Furthermore, the recruitment does not waive Omanisation penalties; companies failing to meet the 25% Omani-staff quota remain subject to higher permit renewal fees, which have risen from approximately RO 211 to RO 622 for non-compliant entities. Regarding age policies, while Oman recently reversed a freeze on work permits for individuals over 60, this new Bangladeshi intake is strictly limited to the specified sectors rather than a broader policy shift. Minister Islam noted that while the current focus is on these sectors, the ministry continues to address ongoing issues regarding visa auto-cancellations and documentation challenges for Bangladeshi workers in Oman and the UAE. Recruitment mechanics will be finalized in October, with placements facilitated through licensed Bangladeshi agencies and official lists from the Oman Agricultural Association. Authorities have cautioned against paying any unauthorized parties promising visa access. Existing workers are advised to ensure all labor contracts and medical insurance remain compliant, as the new quota is strictly reserved for association-linked operations.