Oman: Omanization Rules Announced for 100% Foreign Investor-Owned Companies

As of April 1, 2024, the Omani government is requiring all companies in Oman which are entirely owned by foreign investors to employ at least one Omani national within one year of starting commercial activities in Oman and register them with the Social Protection Fund. Companies who have not hired at least one Omani individual by the one-year deadline will receive a 30-day grace period, which can be extended once, to rectify any noncompliance. Currently, the government has not released information regarding whether the grace period will also apply to foreign investor-owned companies already operating in Oman. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will monitor compliance during commercial registration renewals and electronically flag noncompliant companies. It will impose penalties on noncompliant companies, including prohibiting certain yet-unspecified transactions on the Oman Business Platform for foreign investors. Companies that are 100% owned by foreign investors should review the composition of their workforce to ensure that they have hired at least one Omani national and if not, proceed to hire such an individual. This restriction may make it more difficult for employers to meet their hiring needs.