MUSCAT, Oct 7: Oman has introduced a new regulation requiring foreign-owned businesses to employ at least one Omani citizen within a year of commencing operations, according to Atheer newspaper.  The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion issued Ministerial Resolution No. 411/2025, which adds Article (12) bis to the executive regulations of the Foreign Capital Investment Law.

Under the new rule, all foreign-owned companies must hire at least one Omani employee, who must be officially registered with the Social Protection Fund.

The ministry explained that the amendment is designed to boost the participation of Omani talent in the private sector and strengthen adherence to Omanisation targets established by relevant authorities.

Foreign-invested companies that have been operating for over a year are required to comply within six months of the resolution’s implementation. Compliance must align with either the renewal of their commercial registration, the issuance of a new work permit, or the renewal of an existing work permit, whichever occurs first.  The resolution also repeals any previous conflicting provisions and will take effect the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.