MUSCAT: As part of regulating the labour market and to boost employment opportunities for Omani citizens, the Ministry of Labour has added more than 30 new professions to the list of jobs that non-Omanis are prohibited from practicing.

In a series of new decisions taken by the labour ministry, all state administrative units and government companies are required to avoid contracting with private sector establishments that do not adhere to government-set Omanisation targets. Private sector companies must obtain an electronic certificate from the Ministry of Labour, confirming their compliance with work standards and Omanisation percentages.

All private sector establishments must employ at least one Omani in professions and jobs suitable for them, in line with future regulations to be issued by the ministry. Additionally, the ministry will review work permit fees to incentivise compliance with Omanisation rates, doubling the fees for establishments that fail to meet the required targets.

“Follow-up and inspection campaigns will be intensified to ensure that private sector establishments comply with the new labour market regulations,” Ministry said in a statement. All the decisions will come into effect from September 2024.