Khareef business gets boost with over 600 work permits

SALALAH, AUGUST 1

The Ministry of Labour, through its Dhofar Directorate, has issued more than 600 temporary work permits since the start of the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, as part of efforts to facilitate commercial activity and support entrepreneurs during the peak tourism period in the governorate.

According to the Director General of the Ministry’s Labour Directorate in Dhofar, the temporary permits — provided free of charge — allow the hiring of expatriate workers for non-Omani-exclusive jobs, particularly roles that citizens are typically reluctant to take. He explained that the initiative helps regulate seasonal employment, meeting the surge in demand from small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in sectors such as food services, logistics and event management.

The official added that the service has seen strong demand from owners of small and seasonal enterprises, offering a legal and flexible mechanism to bring in workforce support without breaching labour regulations.

Permit holders are also expected to employ and supervise Omani staff, ensuring that nationals remain engaged in seasonal business operations.

He stressed that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and reducing administrative burdens, by waiving fees and streamlining the application and approval process. It also ensures legal compliance and labour protection across all operational fronts.

This effort comes as part of wider government measures to encourage local and seasonal investment in Dhofar Governorate, which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors during the annual monsoon season.

The facilitation is expected to boost the quality and scale of tourism and retail services, while maintaining a well-regulated business environment.

With tourism activities intensifying across Dhofar’s wilayats, demand for temporary permits is expected to grow further in the coming weeks — empowering private sector participation and supporting local economic momentum through legal seasonal employment channels.