Expats to Not Work in Certain Jobs In Oman, Government Says

Expatriates in the Gulf region account for roughly % of its 4.5 thousand residents.

"A number of private-sector jobs will be nationalized," the Ministry declared on Twitter on Sunday.

It continued that foreigners' work permits in those occupations would not be renewed beyond their expiry date.

Various employment in insurance firms, shops, and car dealers, including banking, commercial and managerial positions, would be "only limited to Omanis," the Ministry said.

Work as a driver, "no matter what the vehicle," would still be restricted for citizens, it added.

In April 2020, Oman directed state-owned firms to intensify the process of replacing foreign workers with Omani nationals, particularly in senior roles, to create more jobs for people.

At the time, the finance ministry said that many expatriates were also in management roles in state-run companies.

Oman has been seriously impacted by the coronavirus pandemic as well as lower oil prices and has boosted the likelihood of support from its Gulf neighbors. According to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, the economy of the Sultanate is predicted to have contracted by 10% in 2020, among the worst in the Gulf in the wake of the pandemic.

Against this backdrop, the GCC member states – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – have tried to diversify their economies and absorb millions of young graduates into their workforce

They also all issued regulations to prioritize citizens to foreigners in both the public and private sectors.

More than 25 million foreigners remain in the Gulf, making up the bulk of the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.

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