News Rewind: Oman temporarily stops issuing expat visas for 87 jobs

Energy Friday 02/February/2018 11:06 AM
By: Times News Service
News Rewind: Oman temporarily stops issuing expat visas for 87 jobs

Muscat: With many new developments taking place in the Sultanate in the past week, we take a look at the top five stories that made headlines with Times of Oman's News Rewind.
A six-month ban on hiring expat workers in 87 job roles was imposed by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM). The hiring freeze came into affect following the issuance of ministerial decree 2018/38, which was issued by the Minister of Manpower Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri on Sunday. However, the licences issued prior to the date the decision takes effect shall remain valid until the expiry of their respective terms.
New and updated traffic rules and regulations will come into effect in the Sultanate from March 1, 2018. Some of these rules include one-year temporary driving licences for all new drivers; expats having to renew their driving licences every two years; all passengers inside a vehicle now have to wear seatbelts, including those sitting in the backseat; and more. You can also find a full list of new fines and fees here.
Oman's new airport will officially open on March 20 this year, officials have revealed. The new passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport will begin commercial operations from that date, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
Residents in Oman will have to pay more for fuel in February, based on the Ministry of Oil and Gas’ announcement. M91 fuel will cost consumers 207 baisas per litre, up from 199 baisas per litre. M95 fuel is now priced at 218 baisas per litre, up from 213 baisas per litre last month.
And finally, Royal Oman Police arrested a gang of 10 on charges of fraud this week. A police statement said the perpetrators contacted their victims through phone calls to tell them they had won monetary prizes to fraudulently obtain their credit card information.