The Sultanate of Oman has been intensifying its efforts to regulate the foreign workforce in the country. In the past eight months, nearly 12,000 illegal workers have been apprehended, with over 9,700 individuals being deported for violating Labour Laws. Retired Brigadier General (Rtd), Said bin Sulaiman Al Asimi, CEO of the Security and Safety Institution, emphasized the importance of Omanisation, urging young job seekers to take advantage of Omanised professions to prove their capabilities in the job market. The Inspection Unit under the institution has been given the authority to close sites that repeatedly commit Omanisation violations, and has been granted judicial police powers to strengthen enforcement capabilities.
The Inspection Unit is dedicated to overseeing labour law compliance, focusing on enforcing Omanisation rates and restricting expats from certain professions. The unit’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that all parties adhere to government decisions related to Omanised professions and established Omanisation rates. Additionally, the unit is implementing improved facilities and technology in labour care facilities to enhance security and enforcement measures. Personnel are also undergoing rigorous training to effectively handle inspection and enforcement tasks.
This crackdown is a reflection of Oman’s commitment to protecting the rights of Omani workers and promoting fair labour practices within its borders. By enforcing strict regulations on the foreign workforce and prioritizing Omanisation, the country is working towards creating a more balanced job market for its citizens. The government’s efforts to regulate the workforce through the Inspection Unit demonstrate a proactive approach towards maintaining labour law compliance and promoting Omanisation in the country.
As part of these efforts to regulate the foreign workforce, the Security and Safety Institution is conducting regular inspection and monitoring visits to Omanised professions in all activities to ensure governance in accordance with Omanisation policy. By focusing on professions with high levels of Omanisation, the institution aims to dispel common misconceptions that Omanisation is limited to low-income professions. The implementation of judicial police powers to some employees of the inspection unit further strengthens enforcement capabilities and ensures that all parties are committed to complying with government decisions related to Omanised professions.
The development of improved facilities and technology in labour care facilities underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing security and enforcement measures in the workforce. By investing in training and development for personnel handling inspection and enforcement tasks, the Security and Safety Institution is equipping its workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively regulate the foreign workforce. Overall, these initiatives reflect Oman’s dedication to creating a fair and balanced job market that prioritizes the rights and opportunities of Omani workers.
