MUSCAT : Oman has seen a decline in the number of Indian workers in the Sultanate as wage levels in India rise to match or exceed those offered locally, the labour ministry’s official spokesman said on Tuesday.

Ammar bin Salem Al Saadi, Director General of the Labour Directorate and official spokesman for the Ministry of Labour, said the trend reflects changing labour market dynamics rather than policy shifts in Oman.

“There has been a decrease in Indian manpower in Oman due to salaries and wages in India being similar to, or higher than, those offered in the Sultanate,” Al Saadi said.

He stressed that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Oman and India does not affect national labour laws or Omanisation policies, adding that the agreement preserves the state’s full sovereignty over employment regulations.

“The economic partnership agreement allows the state to maintain its authority over labour laws and Omanisation policies, and it will not cause any harm in this regard,” he said.

Al Saadi made the remarks during a media briefing on the Oman–India CEPA, as authorities sought to address public concerns over the impact of the trade agreement on the domestic labour market.

Oman has said the CEPA is aimed at expanding trade and investment ties while safeguarding national interests, including labour market policies and employment opportunities for Omani citizens.

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