Oman tightens job restrictions for expats with new labor resolution

04/09/2024

Oman tightens job restrictions for expats with new labor resolution

Omanisation policy expanded: More professions reserved for Omani nationals.

MUSCAT, Oman, Sept 4: The Oman Ministry of Labour has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 501/2024, amending the regulations concerning the employment of non-Omani workers in specific professions. This new resolution updates Ministerial Resolution No. 235/2022, broadening the list of professions that are now restricted exclusively to Omani nationals.

The Omanisation policy, introduced by the Omani government in 1988, aims to replace foreign workers with trained Omani nationals. The policy establishes specific quotas for the ratio of Omani to foreign employees across various industries and companies.

The revised list now includes a wide range of professions, from managerial roles to technical and specialized positions. Newly prohibited professions for non-Omanis include Systems Analyst, Engineers, and various roles in quality control, hotel management, and transportation.

The resolution, which takes effect the day after its publication, also specifies a phased implementation for certain professions. The following professions are now added to the list of those prohibited for non-Omani workers:

Drilling Fluid Engineer

Drilling Officer

Electrician/General Maintenance

Mechanical Technician/General Maintenance

Drilling Measurement Engineer

Quality Controller

Food and Medical Supplies (Refrigerated) Trailer and Locomotive Driver

Water Tanker and Trailer Driver

Hotel Reception Manager

Lifeguard

Travel Agent

Room Service Supervisor

Quality Control Manager

Quality Officer

Aircraft Loading Controller

Marketing Specialist

Ship Lashing and Fixing Worker

Labor Supervisor

Loading and Unloading Supervisor

Commercial Promoter (Sales Representative)

Commercial Broker

Goods Arrangement

Flatbed Crane Driver

Forklift Driver

New Vehicle Salesman

Used Car Dealer

New Parts Seller

Used Parts Dealer

Systems Analyst/General

Information Systems Network Specialist

Marine Observer

Ship Traffic Controller

Computer Maintenance Technician

Computer Programmer

Computer Engineer

Computer Operator

Web Designer

Operations Analyst

This expansion of restricted professions is part of Oman’s ongoing efforts to increase the employment of Omani nationals in various sectors.