Oman Employment Programmes Guide
Employment creation for Omani nationals is one of the most pressing challenges addressed by Vision 2040. With a young and growing population, the government has launched multiple programmes to increase private sector employment, develop workforce skills, and support entrepreneurship as an alternative to public sector employment.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Working Age Population | ~2.5 million |
| Omanisation Target (Private) | Varies by sector |
| Annual Job Creation Target | 40,000+ |
| SME Contribution Target | 20% of GDP |
| Youth Unemployment Rate | ~15% |
Omanisation Programme
Omanisation requires private sector companies to employ minimum percentages of Omani nationals, varying by sector from 15 to 90 percent. The Ministry of Labour enforces quotas through the labour clearance system that links work permits for expatriates to Omanisation compliance. Sectors including banking, insurance, and government have achieved high Omanisation rates.
National Employment Programme
Launched by Royal Decree, the National Employment Programme provides job seekers with training, placement services, and wage subsidies. The programme matches Omani graduates with private sector employers through a digital platform. Wage subsidies cover a portion of the employee’s salary during the initial employment period.
SME Development
The Riyada (Public Authority for SME Development) supports small and medium enterprise creation through business advisory services, access to finance, and market linkages. The Al Raffd Fund provides micro-loans for startups. Incubation programmes at Knowledge Oasis Muscat nurture technology-based businesses.
Vocational Training
The National Training Fund finances vocational training programmes aligned with industry needs. Training centres across all governorates offer technical courses in construction, automotive, hospitality, IT, and healthcare. The National Apprenticeship Programme places trainees with employers for on-the-job learning.
In-Country Value Programme
The In-Country Value (ICV) programme requires government contractors to maximise local content through Omani employment, local procurement, and technology transfer. ICV scores are factored into government tender evaluations, creating strong incentives for workforce localisation.