Gulf News, 5 October 2025: Foreign-owned companies in Oman must employ at least one Omani citizen within their first year of operation, according to new legislation announced by the country’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

The requirement, established through Oman Ministerial Decision No. 411/2025, introduces Article (12) bis to the Foreign Capital Investment Law’s (Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2019) executive regulations. Under the new rules, foreign businesses must ensure their Omani employees are officially registered with the Social Protection Fund.

Existing foreign companies that have been operating for more than a year will need to comply with the regulation within six months. This adjustment must occur when they either renew their commercial registration, obtain a new work permit, or renew an existing permit, whichever comes first.

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