In a landmark move to reshape its workforce, Oman has announced a comprehensive ban prohibiting expatriates from working in more than 200 specific professions. This sweeping policy, part of the nation's long-standing "Omanisation" drive, aims to prioritise employment for Omani citizens across vital sectors from hospitality and management to IT and technical fields.
What the New Oman Labour Policy Entails
Announced by the Ministry of Labour and set for implementation from January 2026, the directive blocks new work visas for foreign workers in the listed occupations. The policy builds on earlier decrees like Resolution 235/2022 and Resolution 501/2024. While existing expat workers can remain until their permits expire, the door is closing for new foreign hires in these roles.
The list of restricted professions is extensive, covering:
- Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel Reception Manager, Travel Agent, Lifeguard, Room Service Supervisor.
- Management & Administration: Quality Control Manager, Marketing Specialist, Administrative Officer.
- Sales & Technical Roles: Commercial Promoter, Electrical Technician, Forklift Operator.
- IT & Digital Fields (Phased): Information Systems Analyst, Network Specialist. Bans on roles like Computer Programmer and Website Designer will be phased in through 2027.
Why Oman is Enforcing This Radical Shift
The policy is a strategic pillar of Oman's Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil and gas. The primary drivers are clear:
Prioritising Local Employment: The government aims to catalyse job creation for Omani nationals in mid- and high-skill roles where they have been historically underrepresented.
Supporting Economic Reform: Reducing reliance on expatriate labour is seen as crucial for sustainable growth, reducing youth unemployment, and aligning workforce skills with national needs.
Addressing Demographic Balance: Like its GCC neighbours with Saudisation and Emiratisation, Oman is reinforcing national identity and sovereign control over key economic sectors.
Immediate Impact on Expatriates and Businesses
The decision sends shockwaves through a private sector long dependent on foreign talent. Expatriates in affected professions will no longer be eligible for new work visas, potentially forcing career shifts or relocation. Employers now face the dual challenge of potential labour shortages and the urgent need to invest in training Omani nationals.
Industry observers warn that the scale of the ban could trigger a talent exodus to neighbouring Gulf states with more open regulations. The success of the transition hinges on robust training and upskilling initiatives to bridge the skill gap rapidly.
Will Oman's Tourism Experience Suffer?
A critical concern is the policy's impact on Oman's booming tourism sector, a cornerstone of its economic diversification. Many front-line roles—from tour guides to hotel managers—are now reserved for Omani citizens.
While this raises questions about service continuity, Omani authorities are pushing back against alarm. The Oman Tourism Board and Ministry of Labour emphasise that training programmes are underway to equip nationals with necessary language skills and professional expertise. They assert the policy is designed to enhance, not diminish, the visitor experience by fostering deeper local engagement.
Tourists have been reassured that visa rules and access remain unchanged, but they will increasingly interact with Omani professionals in hospitality roles.
The Road Ahead for Oman's Labour Market
The coming years will be a litmus test for this ambitious reform. Key to its success will be the effective implementation of phased bans, especially in technical IT roles, and the collaboration between government and industry to develop local talent pipelines.
If managed thoughtfully, the policy could empower a generation of Omani professionals and deepen national economic participation. If mismanaged, it risks creating temporary skill shortages. Ultimately, this bold move marks a defining chapter in Oman's journey to build a self-reliant, future-ready workforce.
