MUSCAT: In a major step to reinforce national workforce inclusion, Oman has issued a circular mandating that employment of Omani citizens must be a non-negotiable condition in all public sector contracts. This decision reflects the Sultanate’s ongoing commitment to implementing Omanisation policies, ensuring that local talent is prioritized in government-linked projects and services.
The circular, applicable to ministries, government units, and all bodies subject to the State Financial Law, aims to guarantee employment opportunities for qualified Omanis by embedding hiring requirements directly into contractual terms. This move is expected to create sustainable job avenues for nationals while fostering skill development through meaningful participation in national projects.
Additionally, it mandates that private companies contracted by the public sector must strictly adhere to these conditions, thereby placing legal accountability on third-party contractors to meet employment quotas. The circular also stresses the importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement to track compliance and penalize violations.
By institutionalizing these measures, the Omani government seeks to ensure that national employment goals are not only encouraged but contractually binding. This forms part of broader structural reforms designed to stabilize the labor market and reduce dependency on expatriate labor in strategic sectors.
