Oman: Additional List Of Professions Barred For Expatriates (image: Meta AI generated)
Muscat – In a significant update to its labour laws, Oman’s Ministry of Labour has issued a new resolution, expanding the list of professions exclusively reserved for Omani nationals. This revision builds on Ministerial Resolution No. 235/2022, further restricting a wide range of professions for expatriates.
The updated list includes various managerial, technical, and specialised roles, such as Systems Analyst, Engineer, and positions within quality control, hotel management, and transportation. Effective immediately, the resolution will phase in restrictions for certain professions over the coming years.
Restrictions for roles such as Systems Analyst and Information Systems Network Specialist will commence from 1st January 2025, while positions like Computer Programmer and Computer Engineer will face restrictions from 1st January 2026. Further limitations on Web Designers and Operations Analysts will take effect from 1st January 2027.
Professions newly added to the prohibited list for non-Omanis include:
– Hotel Reception Manager
– Lifeguard
– Travel Agent
– Room Service Supervisor
– Quality Control Manager
– Mechanical Technician / General Maintenance
– Aircraft Loading Controller
– Forklift Driver
– Computer Maintenance Technician
– Web Designer
– Marine Observer
– Ship Traffic Controller
– Commercial Promoter (Sales Representative)
– And various others within sales, transportation, and technical sectors.
This decision reinforces Oman’s ongoing efforts to increase employment opportunities for its citizens by limiting certain roles to Omani nationals. The Ministry of Labour will oversee the phased implementation of these restrictions, as outlined in the resolution.
