Muscat – The Ministry also emphasised that it is mandatory for foreign-owned companies to employ at least one Omani citizen within one year of their establishment, as part of efforts to support national workforce participation.

During its annual media briefing held under the theme ‘Partnering to Integrate,’ the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion reiterated key measures in place to improve and develop foreign investment procedures within the Sultanate of Oman throughout 2024.

Among the points emphasized were existing regulations concerning who is eligible to establish commercial entities, particularly highlighting the ineligibility of private workers and unskilled labourers in the private sector from applying to open commercial registers.

As per the regulations, private workers, including domestic workers and those in similar job categories, as well as unskilled labourers employed in the private sector, are not permitted to apply for commercial registrations. These restrictions are designed to uphold the integrity of the investment environment and ensure that commercial activity is aligned with Oman’s economic development priorities.

The Ministry also reiterated that employees with active contracts in the government or private sector may only establish businesses under the Foreign Capital Investment Law under specific conditions. These include obtaining their employer’s approval, terminating their current employment contract, or submitting a formal transfer of sponsorship pledge. This requirement is in place to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure regulatory compliance.

The media briefing also covered several enhancements to foreign investment procedures implemented in 2024. While these are not new regulations, the Ministry is placing renewed emphasis on their enforcement. Measures include the requirement for foreign-owned companies to employ at least one Omani citizen within a year of establishment, the submission of project feasibility studies from accredited offices, and proof of experience from investors to demonstrate capability in executing proposed ventures.

In support of enforcement, the Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Labor and the Royal Oman Police to conduct targeted inspection and control campaigns, aimed at identifying and addressing violations.

Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that foreign investors can still easily obtain investment licenses to establish businesses in Oman, provided they meet the stipulated criteria. The aim is to maintain an environment that is both investor-friendly and legally sound.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has reiterated that certain categories of workers remain prohibited from opening commercial records or engaging in foreign investment activities, in line with existing regulations. The Ministry also emphasized that it is mandatory for foreign-owned companies to employ at least one Omani citizen within one year of their establishment, as part of efforts to support national workforce participation.