Full list: Oman Outlines 32 Professions Banned for Foreigners in the Country
- Oman's Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decision, adding 32 jobs to the list of professions reserved exclusively for Omani nationals
- The banned roles span multiple sectors including IT, tourism, oil and gas, transport, and marketing, affecting expatriate workers across the country
- Some of the restrictions took effect immediately while others are phased in gradually through to January 2027
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Oman's Ministry of Labour expanded its list of professions off-limits to foreign workers, adding 32 roles that will now be reserved exclusively for Omani nationals across several key industries.
The move is part of Oman's broader Omanisation drive, which aims to prioritise local employment across the workforce.
Source: UGC
Sectors Affected by the New Ban
The 32 restricted roles cut across a wide range of industries. In the tourism and hospitality sector, positions such as Hotel Reception Manager, Travel Agent, Travel Consultant, Lifeguard, and Housekeeping Supervisor are now closed to expatriates. Transport roles including drivers of refrigerated and water tractor-trailers, as well as Cargo Loading and Unloading Supervisor and Aircraft Loading Supervisor, have also been added to the restricted list.
The oil and gas industry sees several technical positions reserved for Omanis, among them Drilling Fluid Engineer, Drilling Supervisor, Drilling Measurements Engineer, and Quality Controller.
On the commercial side, roles such as Marketing Specialist, Commercial Broker, Commercial Promoter (Sales Representative), and vehicle salespersons for both new and used cars and spare parts are included.
IT Roles Phased Out for Expats Gradually
The technology sector faces a staggered timeline. Roles including General Systems Analyst, Information Systems Network Specialist, Marine Controller, Ship Movement Controller, and Computer Maintenance Technician are restricted. Computer Programmer, Computer Engineer, and Computer Operator also followed.
Website Designer and Operations Analyst are the final group, with restrictions kicking in from 1 January 2027.
The phased approach for IT roles suggests the government is giving businesses and expatriate workers in those fields time to transition, while still signalling a clear direction of travel toward localising the country's technology workforce.
The full list of 32 professions now banned for non-Omani workers is as follows: Driver of a refrigerated tractor-trailer for transporting foodstuffs and medical supplies; Driver of a tractor-trailer for transporting water; Hotel Reception Manager; Lifeguard; Travel Agent; Travel Consultant; Housekeeping Supervisor; Quality Control Manager; Quality Officer; Drilling Fluid Engineer; Drilling Supervisor; Electrician/General Maintenance; Mechanic/General Maintenance; Drilling Measurements Engineer; Quality Controller; Aircraft Loading Supervisor; Marketing Specialist; Ship Mooring Worker; Labour Supervisor; Cargo Loading and Unloading Supervisor; Commercial Promoter (Sales Representative); Commercial Broker; Goods Coordinator; Flatbed Crane Operator; Forklift Operator; New Vehicle Salesperson; Used Vehicle Salesperson; New Spare Parts Salesperson; Used Spare Parts Salesperson; General Systems Analyst; Information Systems Network Specialist; Marine Controller; Ship Movement Controller; Computer Maintenance Technician; Computer Programmer; Computer Engineer; Computer Operator; Website Designer; and Operations Analyst.
Oman approves special work permits in 9 professions
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Oman's Ministry of Labour launched a Special Work Permits service allowing employers to apply online for foreign workers in specific categories.
The permit covers 9 profession groups including domestic workers, nurses, agricultural workers, and craft fishermen.
Source: Legit.ng
