Oman policy to replace expats likely to implement next year, blue collar Indian workers not to be impacted

The Omani finance ministry order issued earlier this week to replace expats from govt job will not be immediately implemented and could take over a year for any concrete action on the ground. WION has learnt that Omani government companies will be submitting plans to replace ex-pats along with next year's budget proposals.

Omanization policy is more than 30 years old and aims to provide jobs to the local population. With a young population, the aim is to provide jobs to them through this policy.

As questions are being raised, how much it will impact Indians in the country a source said, "Most of the Indian workers are blue-collar workers, working in the construction sector, where this circular will not apply"

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7,70,000 Indians in Oman, of which 6,55,000 workers, according to MEA. The Omani govt puts the number of Indian workers in Oman at 617,730 at the end of 2019.

While the decision comes during the COVID-19 crisis, it has no links with the pandemic. The West Asian country is the least affected country in GCC--Gulf Cooperation Council by COVID reporting 2,447 cases, with around 500 recoveries and 11 deaths.

Oman has been taking good care of the Indian community during the current COVID crisis.

Indian envoy to Oman Munu Mahawar speaking to WION last week said, "I would like to convey our deep gratitude to the govt of Oman for the measures they have taken to support the Indian community in Oman. Oman is providing free testing, and treatment and they have also provided food in the areas of strict lockdown."

Meanwhile, India has been facilitating the supply of food items and other commodities to Oman, via air and sea routes. Recently, New Delhi agreed to provide HCQ as requested by Govt of Oman.