Oman New Rules Barred Foreigners to Work in Several Jobs in Private Sector

Oman will halt foreign workers from filling in as drivers and different vacancies in the private sector under a new law.

So, Oman’s new rules are trying to create more job opportunities for its citizens during the slump.
Likewise, many jobs and positions in shops, vehicle dealership agencies, and companies are now available only for Omanis.

Similarly, insurance, commercial, finance, and administration vacancies will be reserved for Omani citizens. The Sultanate ministry announced recently.

However, the foreign workforce makes up almost 40 percent of Oman’s total population. But because of the economic downturn during the pandemic, the sultanate is continuing to push back the foreign workforce.

Hence, victims of the Omani policy shift are mostly Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, and Nepalese workers. You can see the official announcement of the Oman new rules on Twitter as below;

Oman New Rules for Work Permit

Besides, Oman will not issue extra work permits to foreigners. Under Article 1 of the new rules, driver jobs will be held in reserve only for Omani citizens, regardless of the vehicle.

Similarly, article 2 shows that the work permits of outsiders in those occupations will not be renewing anymore.

By the end of the year 2019, 1.7 million foreign workforces were employed in various sectors in Oman.

In contrast, in the last year 2020, Oman directed the state-owned businesses and companies to replace foreign workers with Omani citizens. Particularly in senior and top-level positions.

You Can Check more detail on the Ministry of Labour Oman

Why is Oman changing labor policy?

The media reports are revealing the reality. Notably, the Omani government is continuously making strict decisions for expatriates. In this fashion, they impose a new heavy fee on hiring new foreign workers.

So, now Omani companies and employers must follow the new rules. License fee and employment status updating fee also introduced. Of course, Oman’s new rules are discouraging expatriates and promoting so-called nationalization.

Remember, just a few months back, the Omani minister for labor showcased a plan for swapping expatriates. It was for promoting Omani citizens. Also, creating new job opportunities for Omanis. As a result, it has converted the plan into strict laws.

Oil revenue has plunged, and the sultanate is facing an economic slump. Therefore, as part of economic policies, Oman plans to introduce new taxes such as income tax and valued added tax.

As a result, Oman among all gulf countries, standing in the first row by imposing an income tax.

In reality, Oman and other GCC states introduced a new regulation to provide citizens preference over expatriates in the private and public sector.

Can Omanis replace foreign workers?

Muscat’s so-called reform is also affecting the country’s economy. Because for several years foreigners are contributing to the Omani economy. By that time, Sultanate transformed from a desert to a developed country.

Omanis n’t did it. Though it happens just because of the foreign workforce and their inevitable hard work. The dilemma is that authorities do not know about the outcomes of Oman’s new rules.

Certainly, Omanis cannot work in hot & harsh weather as foreigners do. Omanis citizens are enjoying the services of expatriates for years and years. So, the Sultanate is thinking that their citizens will construct the buildings and luxury houses as foreign labor did?

Of course, it won’t happen. Therefore, Muscat’s new rules for foreign workers will bounce back soon.

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