New policies to boost jobs amid Omanisation drive

Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has issued new decision to boost the Omanisation rates in the private sector establishments and seeks to regulate the labour market so that Omanis can join new professions and jobs suitable for them.

Companies flouting the rules will be penalised while those following the order will be rewarded by the ministry. To be effective from September, expatriates can’t get employment in the new list of 30 professions.

In a statement, the ministry said: “Within the framework of the partnership between the Ministry of Labour and the private sector, and in coordination with the relevant authorities, the ministry aims to regulate the labour market so that Omanis can join the professions and jobs suitable for them.

As per the decisions, all units of the state’s administrative apparatus and government companies should not deal with the private sector establishments that do not adhere to the Omanisation percentages set by the government, and to oblige all private sector establishments to obtain an electronic certificate from the Ministry of Labour proving that they meet the work standards and requirements, including the Omanisation percentages prescribed by the government.

In addition to prohibiting over 30 new professions to the list in which non-Omanis can’t get jobs, all private sector establishments have been ordered to employ at least one Omani in the professions and jobs suitable for them, in accordance with the controls that the Ministry will issue later.

The ministry approved a financial package to support the initiatives of companies that aim to raise their Omanisation percentage.

Moreover, the decision on work permit fees is to be reviewed to ensure that private sector establishments committed to Omanisation rates are incentivised, and fees to be doubled for establishments that are not compliant.

The authorities to start follow-up and inspection campaigns to ensure that private sector establishments adhere to the decisions regulating the labour market.

The Ministry of Labour will clarify the details of the aforementioned decisions before they enter into force next September, and call on all parties to cooperate in a way that serves the public interest.