Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Oman Bans Expats in 200+ Jobs
Oman has decided that foreigners cannot work in more than 200 jobs.
This is to help Omani people get more jobs.
Many Indian workers live and work in Oman.
They might find it harder to get new jobs or keep their current ones.
Some Indians send money back home from their jobs in Oman.
This change might make that harder.
Other countries in the Gulf are also doing similar things to help their own people get jobs.
Indian workers in Oman might need to think about their future jobs carefully.
Oman has banned expatriates from working in over 200 professions to prioritize Omani citizens.
Indian migrant workers, who form a substantial part of Oman's expatriate workforce, may face job uncertainties.
Current expatriates in restricted roles may continue until their work permits expire, but renewals and new visas will be stricter.
The policy is expected to reduce job opportunities for new Indian migrants and affect remittance inflows to India.
Oman's move is part of a broader Gulf trend to increase citizen employment in the private sector.
- Who
- Oman's government and Indian migrant workers
- What
- Ban on expatriates in over 200 professions
- When
- Announced on January 20, 2026
- Where
- Oman
- Why
- To prioritize employment for Omani citizens and reduce reliance on foreign workers
- Date
- January 20, 2026
- Affected Workers
- Indian migrant workers
- Sectors Affected
- Hospitality, administrative services, supervisory roles, management positions
- Current Indian Workers in Oman
- 6.7 lakh
- Impact on Remittances
- Potential decline in remittance inflows
- Oman's Goal
- Increase Omani citizen employment in private sector
- Similar Policies in Gulf
- Saudi Arabia's Nitaqat, UAE's Emiratisation