BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, SEPT 3
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has announced a major initiative to Omanise 22 professions across the transport, logistics, communications, and information technology sectors. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance local employment and reduce reliance on expatriate labour, aligning with national goals to strengthen the Omani workforce.
The Omanisation process, set to take place between 2025 and 2027, follows Ministerial Resolution No. 501/2024 issued by the Ministry of Labour. It marks a significant step towards increasing the participation of Omani nationals in key sectors critical to the nation’s economy.
In the communications and IT sector, eight professions have been earmarked for Omanisation. By January 2025, three key roles — systems analyst, information systems network specialist, and computer maintenance technician — will be exclusively filled by Omanis. These roles are vital for maintaining and advancing the nation’s IT infrastructure.
By 2026, three more professions — computer programmer, computer engineer, and computer operator — will be Omanised. These positions are crucial for software development and the operation of computer systems, both of which are essential to Oman’s digital transformation agenda. In 2027, the final two professions in this sector, website designer and operations analyst, will also be Omanised, ensuring that Omani talent is at the forefront of both creative and operational aspects of the IT industry.
The transportation and logistics sector, a key pillar of Oman’s economy, will see the Omanisation of 14 professions. This initiative began on September 2, 2024, with the Omanisation of roles such as commercial broker, forklift driver, marketing specialist, ship mooring and stabilisation worker, labour supervisor, and travel agent. These positions are crucial to the daily operations of the transportation and logistics industries and their Omanisation is expected to enhance efficiency and local expertise.
Additionally, by January 2025, the professions of marine controller and ship traffic controller will be Omanised. These roles are critical for managing Oman’s maritime activities, ensuring safe and efficient operations within the sector.
The Omanisation of these 22 professions is expected to significantly impact the sectors involved by accelerating the replacement of expatriate workers with qualified Omani professionals. This initiative will create quality job opportunities for Omani youth, contributing to reducing unemployment and ensuring that the nation’s workforce meets its economic needs.
The Ministry aims to achieve Omanisation rates of 20% to 50% in the transportation and logistics sector by 2025, with a gradual increase to 100% by 2040. In the communications and IT sector, the target is to reach Omanisation rates between 50% and 100% by 2026. These ambitious goals reflect the Ministry’s commitment to building a strong, local workforce capable of driving Oman’s economic development.
To support this initiative, the Ministry is implementing a range of policies, including mandatory employment thresholds for Omanis, training and qualification programmes, and enhanced governance of work permits and professional assessments. These efforts are designed to ensure the success of the Omanisation initiative, helping to build a resilient, self-sufficient economy driven by local talent and innovation.
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