Oman Expands Restricted Professions for Non-Omani Workers: New Rules Explained

The Omani government has taken a significant step to prioritize local talent and boost employment opportunities for Omani nationals. The Ministry of Labour has announced Ministerial Decree No. 501/2024, which only restricts several professions to Omani workers.

The new decree amends previous regulations as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Omani workforce and effectively utilize local talent.

This move directly impacts foreign job seekers applying for work visas in Oman, making it crucial to understand which professions are now off-limits and how these changes may affect their employment prospects.

Key Professions Restricted for Non-Omani Workers

The decree adds 32 new professions to the Omanisation list, making them off-limits to non-Omani workers. The restricted professions include:

1. Driver Roles: This category includes drivers of refrigerated trailers and trucks for transporting food and medical products, as well as drivers of trucks and trailers for water transport.

2. Hospitality and Tourism: Positions such as hotel reception managers, swimming rescuers, tourist agents, travel agents, and room service supervisors are restricted to Omani nationals.

3. Quality Control and Supervision: This includes roles such as quality control managers, quality officers, drilling engineers, drilling supervisors, and quality supervisors.

4. Technical and Maintenance: The decree restricts positions like electricians, general maintenance technicians, mechanics, and drilling measurement engineers.

5. Sales and Marketing: Roles restricted include marketing specialists, commercial promoters (sales representatives), commercial brokers, and goods arrangers.

6. Transportation and Logistics: Non-Omani workers are barred from positions such as aircraft loading supervisors, cargo loading and unloading supervisors, ship mooring and tying workers, flatbed crane drivers, and forklift drivers.

7. Salespersons: This includes sales positions for new vehicles, used vehicles, new spare parts, and used spare parts.

8. Specialists and Supervisors: Includes general system analysts, information systems network specialists, labour supervisors, and marine supervisors.

The government now prioritizes these roles for Omani nationals to enhance local employment and align with Oman’s broader economic goals. This move will significantly impact job seekers pursuing opportunities in these fields in Oman.

Also Read: Work Visa Holders in Oman Face New Challenges as Deportation Law Takes Effect

Phased Implementation of Restrictions

The decree specifies that certain professions will come under the restriction starting from different dates. While the majority of these professions will be restricted starting from September 2, 2024, others will follow from January 1, 2025, 2026, and 2027, ensuring a phased implementation.

Restrictions Effective from January 1, 2025:

• General Systems Analysts
• Information Systems Network Specialists
• Marine Observers
• Vessel Traffic Controllers
• Computer Maintenance Technicians

Restrictions Effective from January 1, 2026:

• Computer Programmers
• Computer Engineers
• Computer Operators

Restrictions Effective January 1, 2027:

• Website Designers
• Operations Analysts

Also Read: Oman Suspends Conversion of Visit Visas to Work Visas

Impact on Job Seekers

The new restrictions may have a significant impact on job seekers from other countries who are looking to work in Oman. Those who are planning to apply for jobs in restricted professions should be aware of the new regulations and explore alternative career paths.

Oman Work Visa: A Guide for Job Seekers

Non-Omani job seekers should be aware of these new restrictions when applying for work visas in Oman. The Oman work visa allows foreign nationals to work in the country, but it is crucial to ensure that your profession is not on the restricted list.

Key Points to Consider:

• Eligibility: Ensure your profession is not restricted and meets the criteria set by the Ministry of Labour.
• Sponsorship: A valid job offer from an Omani employer who acts as your sponsor is mandatory.
• Documents Required: A completed visa application form, a valid passport, a medical certificate, a copy of the labour permit, and two recent passport-sized photographs.

It’s important to note that the visa requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the specific job role.

Conclusion

The Omani government’s decision to restrict certain professions to Omani workers is a significant step towards promoting local talent and boosting the Omani economy. While this may have implications for non-Omani job seekers, it also presents opportunities for Omani nationals to advance their careers in various fields.