Oman has announced a bold labour market reform banning expatriates from working in more than 200 jobs. The Ministry of Labour unveiled this policy in January 2026 as part of the Omanisation push. This means foreigners cannot get new work visas for jobs like human resources, tourism, management, public relations, and customer service. Existing expatriates can stay until their permits expire. High-skill IT roles will face gradual restrictions until 2027. The ban builds on earlier reforms that reserved certain jobs for Omani nationals. The goal is to increase local employment, reduce youth unemployment, and shift Oman’s economy away from oil dependence as per Vision 2040. This policy will impact foreign workers who may need to find new sectors or leave Oman. Employers may face labour shortages and must invest in training Omanis. The tourism industry, which employs many expatriates, could see service challenges. However, officials say the visitor experience will remain smooth due to training programs for locals. Business reactions vary; some fear gaps, while others welcome the chance to develop local talent. Oman assures that tourist visas and services will continue unaffected. The move aligns with Gulf neighbours like Saudi Arabia and UAE, who also promote national workforce policies. The future success depends on smooth training, enforcement, and cooperation between all players. This marks a major shift in Oman’s economic and labour strategy towards empowering its citizens while adjusting to new workforce dynamics.