Oman has introduced significant changes to its labor and residency policies aimed at increasing local employment and regulating expatriate hiring.
📌 Key Updates Effective April 2024:
Foreign-owned companies must employ at least one Omani national within their first year of operation.
The Ministry of Labor has banned 32 additional job titles from being held by expatriates.
Work visas are harder to obtain, especially for roles that can be filled by Omani citizens.
Visa-free entry is no longer available for new expatriate hires. Restrictions are especially strict for foreign women seeking work.
🔍 These policies reflect a broader move toward Omanization — giving priority to local talent. Companies must now strictly comply with employment quotas to sponsor foreign staff.
✅ In this context, legal pathways such as the Investor Residency Program are increasingly essential for those seeking long-term residence and business opportunities in Oman.
