As per reports, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Oman has announced a comprehensive set of new measures aimed at regulating the labour market and enhancing job opportunities for Omani nationals that is set to take effect in September 2024.

• Under the new directive, all state administrative units and government-owned companies must refrain from engaging with private sector entities that fail to meet the government’s Omanisation targets.
• Private sector companies must now secure an electronic certificate from the MoL, verifying their compliance with work standards and Omanisation quotas.
• To prioritize employment for Omani citizens, the ministry has expanded the list of occupations non-Omanis are restricted from by adding over 30 new professions. This is to ensure that more jobs are available to the local workforce.
• All private sector establishments will be mandated to employ at least one Omani national in positions deemed suitable, with detailed future regulations on this requirement forthcoming from the ministry.
• The ministry also plans to adjust work permit fees as an incentive mechanism, proposing to double the costs for businesses that do not meet the Omanisation targets.