Oman’s Ministry of Labour increases restrictions on professions for expatriates

On September 2024, the Ministry of Labour issued Ministrial Decree No. 501/20241  which amends the earlier Ministerial Decree No. 235/20222 to include additional profession restrictions for expatriates.

Decree No. 501/2024 (“Decree") came into force on 2 September 2024 and further phases will follow. This Decree is part of the government’s ongoing strategy to enhance local employment opportunities in line with the country’s Omanization goals. Various professions including marketing specialists, systems analysts, mechanical technicians and others are impacted by this Decree.

Employers must consider the possible implications of the restricted professions on their current and future workforce. Employers need to be aware of the roles that are reserved for Omani nationals and may wish to restructure their recruitment strategies to comply with the new legislation.

Under the Decree, in addition to the pre-existing list of restricted professions, the following professions will be restricted for expatriates:

• Effective 2 September 2024, the majority of the restricted professions came into force, including marketing specialists, quality control officers, mechanical and electrical technicians, sales representatives, and commercial broker.
• Effective 1 January 2025: systems analysts/general, information systems network specialists, marine controllers, ship traffic controllers, and computer maintenance technicians.
• Effective 1 January 2026: computer programers, electronic computer engineers, and computer operators.
• Effective 1 January 2027: web designers and operations analysts.

Under the Decree, in addition to the pre-existing list of restricted professions, the following professions will be restricted for expatriates:

• Effective 2 September 2024, the majority of the restricted professions came into force, including marketing specialists, quality control officers, mechanical and electrical technicians, sales representatives, and commercial broker.
• Effective 1 January 2025: systems analysts/general, information systems network specialists, marine controllers, ship traffic controllers, and computer maintenance technicians.
• Effective 1 January 2026: computer programers, electronic computer engineers, and computer operators.
• Effective 1 January 2027: web designers and operations analysts.

Employers and employees concerned about the restricted occupations should consult with a member of their global mobility services team at KPMG.

KPMG will monitor developments and endeavor to keep readers informed as developments occur.