Oman has taken significant steps under its Omanization policy to reduce reliance on foreign workers and create more job opportunities for Omani citizens. One of the most impactful measures has been the ban on hiring expatriates in over 87 professions.

This restriction, initially introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic and extended into 2026, directly affects engineers, IT specialists, accountants, HR managers, and several technical and administrative roles.

While foreigners can still apply for an Oman visa online for tourism, family visits, or business purposes, those seeking employment in restricted fields are no longer eligible.

📌 Note: If you plan to travel to Oman for tourism or business, you can still apply Oman eVisa online.

Background of the Visa Ban in Oman

The online visa application system for employment was previously restricted due to COVID-19 measures, forcing applicants to apply directly through Omani embassies and consulates.

At the same time, Oman intensified its national employment drive. According to the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI):

The number of Omanis employed in private sector technical and engineering roles grew from 52,275 in 2017 to 58,452 in 2019 — a 12% increase.
The expatriate workforce in engineering and related fields decreased by 54,670 between 2017 and 2019.
Around 55,000 foreign workers lost their jobs in Oman in the past year due to localization efforts.

This shift reflects the wider GCC nationalization trend, with Gulf states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also reducing foreign workforce dependency.

Why Did Oman Ban Certain Jobs?

The decision aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy to build a sustainable economy and reduce unemployment among Omani youth.

Key reasons include:

Boosting local employment: Prioritizing jobs for Omani citizens.
Reducing dependency on expats: Especially in sectors with skilled local talent.
Economic stability: Balancing job opportunities and long-term development.
Aligning with GCC practices: Other Gulf countries have similar nationalization schemes.

List of Professions Banned for Expatriates in Oman (2026 Update)

The Ministry of Manpower has restricted foreign hiring in 87 professions across multiple sectors. Some of the major affected categories include:

Information Technology & Electronics

Information Security Specialist
GIS Specialist
Computer Programmer / Engineer
Computer Networks & Maintenance Technicians
Electronics Technicians (Telecom, Medical, Control, Broadcast, etc.)

Finance & Administration

Accountant (General, Cost, Auditing)
Banking Technicians
Insurance Agents & Collectors
HR Specialists & Administrative Directors
Public Relations Specialists
Procurement & Logistics Specialists

Media & Printing

Graphic Designer
Media Specialist
Advertising Agent
Printing Machine Operators (Offset, Color, Press, Paper Coating, etc.)
Book Binding & Decorative Book Operators

Healthcare & Aviation

Male Nurse
Pharmacist Assistant
Medical Coordinator
Air Traffic Controller
Ground Steward / Ticket Controller
Aviation Guiding Officer

Engineering & Technical Professions

Civil Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Projects Engineer
Architects & Survey Engineers
Road Technicians & Building Controllers
Chemical Technicians, Gas Network Technicians, Transformer Technicians

(For the full updated banned professions list, refer to official announcements by the Omani Ministry of Labour.)

Exemptions to the Ban

Some companies and cases are exempt from the six-month hiring prohibition:

SMEs registered with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprise Development.
Employers with labour clearances issued before January 29, 2018, who can continue hiring until their clearance expires.
Companies registered under the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI).

Impact on Expatriates and Employers

Foreign workers in restricted professions are not eligible for new work visas.
Omani citizens are being actively recruited in technical, financial, and managerial roles.
Companies must now prioritize hiring Omanis or focus on professions still open to expatriates.

Can Expats Still Apply for Oman Visa Online?

Yes ✅. The ban affects employment visas only for the listed professions. Tourists, business travellers, and family visitors can still apply Oman visa online.

Popular visa options include:

Oman Tourist Visa (eVisa) – For leisure and short visits.
Oman Business Visa – For attending meetings or business events.
Oman Family Visit Visa – For visiting relatives.

Apply directly via the official Oman E Visa Online portal.

Conclusion

Oman’s decision to restrict 87 professions for expatriates is a bold move to strengthen its local workforce and reduce unemployment among citizens. While this limits job opportunities for expats in specific fields, it doesn’t affect tourism, business, or family travel.

👉 If you are planning to visit Oman, you can still apply for your Oman visa online quickly and securely.