Muscat: In an effort to bolster job opportunities for Omani citizens within the private sector, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has published a list of 30 new professions in which hiring foreign expatriates will now be strictly prohibited. This announcement was made through a social media platform. The MoL intends to implement a series of regulatory measures to facilitate the job market in a manner that prioritizes Omani employment. However, specific details regarding the professions targeted for Omani employment have yet to be disclosed.
The Ministry has indicated that it will provide further information regarding these measures prior to their implementation, which is set to occur in September.
Furthermore, the Ministry has issued a directive prohibiting government entities and state-owned entities from engaging with private sector organizations that fail to meet the Omanization targets. It has mandated that all private sector establishments secure a digital certification from the Ministry, demonstrating their compliance with prescribed employment standards and Omanization targets established by the government.
The directive stipulates a minimum requirement of Omani employment in at least one position within the respective establishments.
Additionally, a financial incentive program has been approved to increase the Omanization rates.
The Ministry plans to revise the fees associated with work permits to encourage adherence to Omanization goals, with higher fees applying to establishments that do not meet the targets.
The Ministry is also committed to conducting rigorous follow-up and inspection efforts to ensure compliance with the regulations governing the labor market.
The MoL has emphasized the importance of companies in line with the decisions that are beneficial to the public.
Last week, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has initiated several initiatives aimed at enhancing Omanization within the transport, logistics, communications, and information technology sectors.
In alignment with its objectives, the Ministry will reserve specific positions for Omani citizens between 2025 and 2027. The targets for Omanization are as follows: 20% for the transport and logistics sector in 2024, with a goal of 31% in the communications and information technology sector by the end of 2027.
The initial Omanization rates in the transport and logistics sector are set between 20% and 50% from 2025, with a progressive increase in the annual rate until achieving 100% compliance by the end of the period.
