Oman Limits Recruitment Agencies To 10 Expats Per Permit
Oman has officially implemented a new regulation that restricts licensed recruitment agencies to a maximum of 10 expatriate workers under a single labour permit. According to a report published on 16 September 2026 by Gulf Daily News, the measure aims to tighten oversight regarding the bulk recruitment of foreign labour, curb the potential misuse of permits, and align private sector hiring practices more closely with established Omanisation targets.
- Licensed recruitment agencies restricted to 10 expats per permit
- Measures aim to tighten oversight and curb misuse
- Mass recruitment from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Philippines affected
Impact on Recruitment and Workers
Under these new rules, recruitment agencies are prohibited from processing large groups of workers under a single umbrella permit. This policy is expected to impact mass recruitment drives originating from several nations, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and the Philippines. Furthermore, individual employers and smaller applicant batches are expected to face increased scrutiny during the application process.
Ministry Efforts and Guidelines
The Ministry of Labour has introduced this mandate as part of broader efforts to regulate the expatriate workforce. These regulations exist alongside targeted recruitment initiatives, such as the recently announced plan to facilitate the entry of 10,000 Bangladeshi workers for the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Workers currently in the recruitment pipeline or those planning to utilize agency services may face potential delays. Existing residents are advised to consult with their employers or agencies to determine if this new cap affects contract renewals or additional hiring procedures. The Ministry of Labour continues to emphasize the balance between attracting necessary skills and protecting job opportunities for Omani nationals.
Recruitment offices are encouraged to seek official clarification through the Ministry of Labour portal at mol.gov.om or by contacting the Association of Expatriate Worker Recruitment Offices. The official announcement was accompanied by a photograph provided by the Ministry of Labour, Sultanate of Oman (@Labour_OMAN).