Middle East
Middle East's immigration policy and labor market updates
Key trends shaping the Middle East's labor and immigration landscape
Nationalization policies gaining momentum
Across the Middle East, governments are intensifying efforts to promote local employment by reserving jobs for their citizens. Oman has expanded its list of roles exclusively reserved for Omani nationals, now totalling 250 positions, and has introduced penalties for companies not complying with the new regulations.
In Saudi Arabia, the government’s launch of the ‘Jadarat’ portal to streamline the hiring of Saudi nationals is another example of nationalization gaining traction. These measures reflect a broader regional push to reduce reliance on foreign workers while addressing local unemployment.
Bahrain is similarly considering capping the number of foreign workers in the private sector to 30%, with potential penalties for businesses that exceed this limit. These initiatives are part of a long-term strategy to prioritize local workforces and ensure that the private sector provides opportunities for citizens.
Enhanced worker protections
Several countries are introducing reforms aimed at improving working conditions for both local and foreign workers. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes major labor law amendments that expand employee benefits, including paid leave for family bereavement, and extended maternity leave. These reforms are designed not only to improve the quality of work life but also to make the Saudi labor market more appealing to both domestic and international investors.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has introduced stricter penalties for businesses that violate labor laws, ensuring that companies adhere to regulations designed to protect workers and encourage fair employment practices.
As national security remains a priority across the Middle East, countries are implementing stricter visa controls and application processes. Saudi Arabia’s biometric data requirements for visa applicants from the UK, and Qatar’s new health and security checks for temporary work visas, reflect this shift towards more stringent vetting processes. Oman has also introduced enhanced visa security measures, resulting in longer processing times, particularly for applicants from specific regions.
Despite these tightened procedures, some countries are offering more flexibility in certain areas. The UAE and Qatar have extended visa-free stay periods for nationals from countries such as the U.S., Australia, and Brazil, indicating that while security is a priority, economic and business ties with foreign nationals remain crucial.
Impact of regional instability on travel and immigration
The escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted several countries to update their travel advisories and cancel flights. This instability is affecting travel across the region, with many governments advising foreign nationals to check with airlines before traveling. Businesses in the region should remain aware of the ongoing geopolitical risks and ensure that employees traveling to or from these regions are informed of the latest advisories.
Country insights: policy changes and new regulations
Oman:
Growing emphasis on localization and enhanced security measures
Oman continues to push forward with its nationalization agenda, further restricting expatriate involvement in key sectors. With the issuance of Ministerial Decision No. 501/2024, roles like web designers, marketing specialists, and travel agents are now exclusively reserved for Omani nationals. This change, building on previous measures, reflects Oman’s long-term goal of reducing dependence on foreign workers and prioritizing local employment.
Additionally, in response to security concerns earlier this year, Oman has heightened visa processing requirements. Foreign nationals, particularly from the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. are now facing extended processing times as authorities demand more detailed information, including prior travel histories and clearer passport copies.
Saudi Arabia:
Stricter visa procedures and labor reforms
Starting July 2024, Saudi Arabia has introduced new biometric requirements for visa applicants from the UK. Those seeking work or temporary work visas must now provide their biometric data in person at the Tasheer Saudi Visa Center in London. This measure marks a shift from the previous, more streamlined process, signaling the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance security and tighten immigration procedures.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has approved a series of significant labor reforms aimed at improving the workplace environment in line with Vision 2030. These reforms introduce expanded maternity leave, paid bereavement leave for the death of a sibling, shorter trial periods for new employees, and clearer guidelines for termination notice periods. The reforms aim to make the labor market more attractive for both Saudi workers and foreign investors.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Flexible visa policies and tougher labor law enforcement
The UAE continues to refine its immigration policies to offer greater flexibility for foreign nationals while simultaneously tightening enforcement of labor law violations. A recent update allows nationals from countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days on a visa-on-arrival, a substantial increase from the previous 30-day limit for most of these countries. This move positions the UAE as a more appealing destination for long-term visitors and business travelers.
In contrast, the UAE has also introduced tougher penalties for companies failing to comply with employment regulations. Recent amendments to the labor law have increased fines for businesses that hire workers without proper authorization or manipulate Emiratisation data. The fines now range from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000, and companies engaging in false Emiratisation could face criminal penalties as well. These measures are part of the UAE’s commitment to ensuring fair labor practices while driving the Emiratisation agenda forward.
Qatar:
New regulations and extensions to attract and regulate foreign workers
Qatar has introduced new visa requirements and regulations to streamline its immigration system and ensure compliance. Starting July 2024, nationals from several countries, including India and Pakistan, must undergo biometric and medical tests as part of the temporary work visa application. An additional step applies to Mainland companies, requiring the employee to sign a Labour employment contract. This is expected to increase processing times but also aims to ensure thorough health and security checks are completed before workers enter the country.
In a move to encourage foreign nationals to settle outstanding penalties, Qatar has also extended a 50% discount on traffic fines until the end of November 2024. Additionally, U.S. citizens can now enjoy extended visa-free stays of up to 90 days, up from the previous 30-day limit, reflecting Qatar’s efforts to boost tourism and business ties with the U.S.
Want more information on Middle Eastern immigration policy and updates?
Rekha Simpson
UAE Immigration Lead
Ali Ibrahim
KSA Immigration Lead
Antoine Salloum
Qatar Immigration Lead
Nasrine Abdi
Immigration Manager, UAE