In October 2024, the Sultanate of Oman had a little decline in the number of foreign workers.
Muscat – As per the data released by the Royal Oman Police, the total number of expatriates in the country now stands at 1,811,170, marking a 1.2 percent year-on-year decline.
The government sector experienced a 1.9 percent decrease in expatriate employment, with a total of 42,390 foreign workers as of October, while the private sector saw a 1.6 percent reduction, with 1,422,892 foreign workers. In contrast, family employment – domestic workers – saw a modest 0.6 percent increase, reflecting sustained demand for such roles.
A closer look at the data reveals significant shifts in the composition of the expatriate workforce. Bangladeshi workers experienced the most substantial decline, dropping 9.8 percent. Indian nationals also saw a decrease of 4.9 percent. Conversely, workers from Myanmar, Tanzania, and Egypt registered significant growth – expatriates from Myanmar recording 55.4 percent increase, followed by Tanzania with 44.4 percent, and Egypt with 11.1 percent growth.
Regionally, Muscat Governorate remains the largest host of expatriates, despite a 3.2 percent drop, bringing the total to 666,847. Dhofar Governorate also saw a slight reduction of 2.5 percent, now housing 222,396 expatriates. On the other hand, Al Batinah South and Al Wusta Governorates reported increases in their expatriate numbers, up 7.4 percent and 1 percent, respectively.
The gradual reduction in expatriate numbers aligns with Oman’s strategy to create a more sustainable and locally driven labour market. It is consistent with the government’s ongoing efforts to Omanise its workforce and prioritize the employment of nationals, as outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
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