Workforce steady in July as pvt sector leads hiring

MUSCAT, AUG 30
Oman’s recorded workforce stood at 2,670,614 in July 2025, comprising 863,932 Omanis and 1,806,682 expatriates, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information’s Monthly Statistical Bulletin (July 2025), based on Royal Oman Police data. Omanis accounted for 32.35% of the total and expatriates 67.65%.
Omani employment was broadly stable: up 0.6% year-on-year from July 2024, and fractionally lower than June. The private sector remained the main employer of nationals, hosting 411,257 Omanis, while 388,448 worked in government roles. A further 62,307 Omanis were in the household (family) category, with 1,907 in communal activities and 13 in “other”.
Expatriate employment edged 0.11% higher from June and was little changed from a year earlier. Most expatriates worked in the private sector (1,406,059), followed by the household category (351,910) and government (40,874). Communal and other activities together accounted for 7,839 expatriate workers.
The geographic distribution underscores where demand is strongest. Among Omanis, Muscat Governorate led with 193,798 workers, followed by Al Batinah North Governorate (165,163) and Al Dakhiliyah Governorate (106,092). For expatriates, Muscat Governorate again topped the list with 673,181, ahead of Al Batinah North Governorate (273,050), Dhofar Governorate (220,501) and Al Batinah South Governorate (159,552).
The skills mix among nationals shows a sizeable base in clerical roles (209,557), alongside 138,425 specialists and 89,229 technician-level jobs. Services counted 83,824, administration and managers 133,421, principal and auxiliary engineering 85,628 and industrial/food-processing 31,010.
Expatriate employment continues to be concentrated in a few large communities. Bangladeshis (624,153), Indians (508,772) and Pakistanis (309,320) together account for nearly four-fifths of foreign workers, with notable representation from Egyptians, Myanmar nationals, Tanzanians and Sri Lankans.
Taken together, the figures point to a steady labour market with the private sector absorbing most jobs for both Omanis and expatriates. The modest government headcount and the concentration of employment in Muscat Governorate and Al Batinah North Governorate corridor align with fiscal consolidation and diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040.