Oman’s Expatriate Workforce Surpasses 1.8 Million

The number of expatriate workers in Oman reached 1,808,672 by the end of September 2024, significantly outpacing the 856,488 Omanis in the workforce, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

According to the report, the private sector employs the vast majority of expatriates, with 1,420,587, compared to 413,946 Omanis. Meanwhile, the government sector has 42,300 expatriates compared to 378,414 Omani employees.

The construction industry leads in expatriate employment, accounting for 442,916 workers, followed by wholesale and retail trade (273,537), manufacturing (182,148), and accommodation and food services (130,090). The report also highlights notable increases in specific expatriate populations: Sudanese expatriates surged by 110 per cent to 24,080, Myanmar nationals rose by 64.4 per cent to 31,166, and Tanzanians grew by 43.2 per cent to 22,196.

The Bangladeshi community remains the largest, with 656,789 individuals, followed by 505,824 Indians and 303,777 Pakistanis. Other significant communities include 44,891 Filipinos, 25,260 Sri Lankans, and 44,317 Egyptians.

Oman’s overall population comprises a considerable expatriate presence, driven by opportunities across key sectors and the country’s robust economy. According to Numbeo, a global database, Oman ranks highly for its quality of life, factoring in purchasing power, healthcare quality, safety, and cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expatriates from across the globe.

As the nation’s expatriate population continues to grow, Oman’s labour market remains a vital component of its economic infrastructure, particularly in industries that rely heavily on foreign workers. However, this trend also highlights the ongoing demographic imbalance in the workforce, as expatriates continue to significantly outnumber local Omanis, particularly in private sector jobs.

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With economic opportunities and a high quality of life attracting a diverse range of nationalities, Oman’s expatriate community is expected to continue playing a critical role in the country’s economic development in the coming years. However, balancing this with ongoing efforts to increase Omani employment in key sectors remains a priority for the government.

Oman is boosting workers' quality of life with new benefits for private and public sector employees. In July 2024, the Sultanate introduced improved social insurance, including extended maternity and paternity leave for full-time workers, aiming to enhance female participation in the workforce. Oman is also committed to supporting both Omani and expatriate employees by ensuring they have time to care for family, a key initiative attracting global talent to the region. Recently, all Omani employers were required to verify and update expatriate workers' data—such as wages and benefits—via the new SPF e-Portal, ensuring accurate records for smooth operations.