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    GMS Flash Alert 2024-203

    Oman – Ministry of Labour Increases Restrictions on Professions Allowed for Expatriates in Oman

    GMS Flash Alert 2024-203 | October 17, 2024

    In September 2024, Oman’s Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decree No. 501/20241  which amends the earlier Ministerial Decree No. 235/20222 to include additional restrictions on professions that may be filled by expatriates.

    Decree No. 501/2024 came into force from 2 September 2024, and further phases will follow.  The Decree is part of the government’s ongoing strategy to enhance local employment opportunities in line with the country’s “Omanisation3” goals.  Various professions including marketing specialists, systems analysts, mechanical technicians – among others – are impacted by the Decree.

    WHY THIS MATTERS

    Employers may wish to consider the possible implications of the restrictions to certain professions for their current and future workforce.  Employers need to be aware of the roles which are reserved for Omani nationals under law so that they can (re)structure their recruitment strategies accordingly and comply with the new legislation.

    More Details

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

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

    KPMG INSIGHTS

    Employers and employees who are concerned about the restricted occupations and wish to consult on appropriate next steps should consider contacting their usual employment law or immigration counsel or a member of the global-mobility services team at KPMG in Oman (see the Contacts section).

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

    CONTACTS

    Pranav Shah
    Pranav Shah

    Director

    KPMG in the United Arab Emirates

    Hussein Al Lawati
    Hussein Al Lawati

    Associate Director, Tax

    KPMG in Oman

    Keelin Kane
    Keelin Kane

    Manager

    KPMG in the United Arab Emirates

    Additional Resources

    Footnotes:

    1  Ministry of Labour: Ministerial Decision 501/2024 Amending Some Provisions of Ministerial Decision 235/2022 Governing the Practice of Some Professions – Decree.  To access (member log-in required), click here.  Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content.  The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.

    2  Ministry of Labour: Ministerial Decision 235/2022 Governing the Practice of Some Professions – Decree.  To access (member log-in required), click here.  Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content.  The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.

    3  ‘Omanisation’ is a national program policy by the Omani government.  The aim is to create more jobs for locals and help ensure a percentage of the country's workforce are Omani workers.

     

    Disclaimer

    * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

    The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Oman.

    GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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