Oman Signs Deal to Hire 10000 Bangladeshi Workers for Farms and Fisheries
Muscat and Dhaka, 16 September 2026 — Oman has formally agreed to recruit 10,000 workers from Bangladesh, specifically targeting 5,000 agricultural workers and 5,000 fisheries workers.
- Agreement announced by Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam following a meeting in Dhaka with Al Sayyid Mohammed Salim Ali Al Said.
- An official agreement has been signed between the two nations.
- Omani government delegation scheduled to travel to Bangladesh next month to coordinate with the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Meeting and Agreement Details
The agreement was announced by Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam following a meeting in Dhaka with Al Sayyid Mohammed Salim Ali Al Said, a member of Oman’s royal family. An official agreement has been signed between the two nations. To finalize implementation, an Omani government delegation is scheduled to travel to Bangladesh next month to coordinate with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Labour Relations and Worker Statistics
This development marks a significant shift in labour relations, as Oman had imposed a virtual freeze on new Bangladeshi recruitment following policy changes in 2024. Prior to these restrictions, Bangladeshi manpower departures to Oman exceeded 125,000 in 2023. State Minister Shama Obaed Islam confirmed the deal, noting that while Dhaka continues to pursue the restoration of regular visa access restricted under the previous government, this new understanding provides a critical pathway in the farming and fishing sectors. Currently, there are over 600,000 Bangladeshi expats in Oman, with remittances totaling $1.63 billion in fiscal year 2025.
Advice for Job Seekers
Job seekers are advised to monitor developments regarding specific application quotas, medical and recruitment agency regulations, and skill requirements. Notably, Oman recently reversed a freeze on work permits for individuals aged 60 and above, a change expected to benefit experienced agricultural and maritime workers.