The data shows that the unemployment rate for the total population, including expats in the region, has dropped to 2.8%, as workforce participation rose to 68.2%.
Netizens pointed out that the regulation could limit worker mobility and freedom — especially in cases where workers need to travel abroad for emergencies or medical reasons.
"Providing local value is essential—not only to benefit from investing in the Omani market, but also to contribute meaningfully to national development," H.E. Ammar Al-Saadi, Director General of the General Directorate of Labour.
Multinational firms are aligning local operations with global DEI standards, encouraging regional companies to follow suit. In this environment, DEI is becoming both a competitive differentiator and a governance priority.
H.E. Al Rajhi shared that this growth is part of a broader goal to build an efficient and attractive labor market—one that enhances human capital and strengthens the competitiveness of the national economy.
To be eligible for contracts with entities governed under the Tender Law, private companies operating for more than one year must now employ Omani nationals as directed.