ISLAMABAD – For Pakistanis dreaming of job in the Gulf, Oman offers fresh opportunity as the country brings special work permits online and considers easing restrictions on skilled workers from Punjab, raising hopes of new employment opportunities abroad.
The developments could open new avenues for Pakistani workers looking for jobs abroad, particularly in domestic services, agriculture, construction, livestock and aquaculture. However, the proposed relaxation of restrictions on skilled workers from Punjab has not yet been finalised.
Oman Online Work Permit
Oman’s Ministry of Labour made its special work permit service, known as Tasareeh Muzawala Al-Amal Al-Khassa, available online, allowing eligible Omani employers and individuals to submit applications electronically. The service primarily covers domestic workers and related occupations, including housekeepers, nannies, childcare workers, private drivers, gardeners, residential security guards, home healthcare assistants and private nurses.
Agricultural workers, camel and livestock breeders, horse-related occupations and artisanal fishermen are also among the categories covered by the service. Applicants can submit requests through the Ministry of Labour’s electronic services portal or Sanad service centres. The applications must generally be filed by the employer rather than the prospective worker.
Employers may be required to provide details about the number of workers, their occupations and workplaces. Depending on the application, supporting documents could include salary certificates, bank statements and proof of ownership of residential property or agricultural land.
The processing period can range from one to 10 days when the required documentation is complete, potentially making the application process more convenient for eligible employers. The reported fees for domestic and similar occupations stand at 101 Omani rials for one to three workers and 141 rials for four or more workers.
For agricultural and related occupations, fees range from 141 to 241 rials, while artisanal fishing permits carry a reported flat fee of 201 rials. The facility covers new permits, amendments and certain replacement-worker applications. However, approval of a work permit does not automatically grant entry into Oman, as applicants must also fulfil the applicable visa requirements administered through the Royal Oman Police.
The service is primarily designed for domestic, household and certain agricultural employment. Other categories of employment, particularly corporate jobs, remain subject to separate procedures.
Lately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held talks with Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi, in Muscat in early October. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, aquaculture and construction, alongside opportunities to facilitate skilled Pakistani workers seeking employment in the Gulf country.
According to the Punjab government’s account of the meeting, the Omani minister acknowledged the demand for skilled workers and praised the capabilities of Pakistani youth. He also expressed willingness to welcome skilled workers from Punjab in sectors including construction, agriculture and aquaculture, and agreed to exchange information with Punjab regarding workforce requirements.
At Maryam Nawaz’s proposal, the minister agreed to consider easing restrictions on the arrival of skilled workers from Punjab.
The development has raised hopes of improved employment prospects for Pakistani workers, but it does not amount to a confirmed lifting of the existing restrictions. Further policy decisions and implementation details are still awaited.
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