Street vending in Oman out of bounds for expatriates now

Muscat: Expatriates can’t work as street vendors, a ministerial decision issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.
A ministerial decision on the work of street vendors, was issued by Dr. Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Royal Oman Police, Muscat Municipality, Sohar Municipality and Dhofar Municipality.
Businesses specified
The regulation said that street vendors could engage in 14 types of businesses which are: Selling of fresh fruits, vegetables and dates, silver works and gifts, perfumes and cosmetics, toilet soap and frankincense, trading in textile and garments; pottery and handicrafts, honey, beverages, sale of popcorn, repair, denting and painting of vehicles, sales of gas, installation and repair or electrical works and alarm systems, copying and printing of documents services, organising of tours and setting up meat grill (barbecue) outlets.
Licence required
To carry out the business, the street vendors have to obtain a licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry along with the approvals of the other departments concerned.
The applicant for the required licence should be Omani and the licence shall be issued for one year and may be renewed for further periods on the same procedures and terms, provided that the application for renewal should be submitted 30 days prior to expiry of the licence.
The licence holder shall neither employ expatriate manpower nor hire or assign the licence to other party. “The licensed street vendor should also not cause any disturbance to the community by using bells or horns for attracting the attention of consumers or by using any other means or methods at the residential areas or near the commercial stores exercising similar activity,” the decision said.
Keep off schools, hospitals
It also said street vendors are also banned near the schools and hospitals. The vehicles and equipment used in the activity shall be registered with the departments concerned and the name and details of the licence shall be written on such vehicles and equipment.