MUSCAT: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Muscat has made a significant decision that directly impacts the employment structure in Network Operations Centres (NOCs) across Oman. The new regulation, targeting TRA licensees, aims to enhance the efficiency and self-sufficiency of the national workforce. By regulating the employment of non-Omanis in this critical sector, the TRA seeks to align the workforce with Oman’s broader development strategy under Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes reducing foreign labor dependence and investing in local talent.
According to the new decision, no more than 6% of the total workforce in NOCs can be composed of non-Omanis. This policy is designed to strengthen the role of Omani nationals within the telecommunications industry and ensure that the sector is managed by a competent and highly skilled local workforce. The intention is to foster greater local expertise in the telecommunications field, thereby enhancing the long-term sustainability of Oman’s technology-driven economy and ensuring that key sectors remain under Omani control.
The new regulation also provides an 8-month adjustment period for those licensees who are not currently in compliance with the 6% limit. During this period, these companies will be required to revise their employment strategies and align their workforce demographics with the specified limit. The 8-month grace period will give licensees sufficient time to plan and execute necessary changes to their staffing levels, ensuring a smooth transition toward meeting the new requirements.
As part of this directive, the TRA has mandated that each licensee submit a detailed Omanisation plan. This plan must outline clear steps to achieve the 6% threshold and include specific timelines for implementing these changes. Moreover, licensees will be required to submit monthly follow-up reports to the TRA. These reports will track the progress made in increasing the number of Omani employees in NOCs and will provide transparency regarding how companies are implementing their Omanisation plans. The TRA will use these reports to monitor the success of the initiative and ensure that companies are making tangible progress toward the goal of reducing foreign labor reliance while boosting local employment in key sectors.
