Localization of labor and international migration: a case study of Sultanate of Oman

Nilambari Gokhale, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Kailash Chandra Das, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

During last twenty years, increasing proportion of immigrants to total population in Gulf nations is considered as growing dependency on foreign labor force as well as one of the root causes behind current unemployment. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, U.A.E., Baharain have come up with the policy of localization of labor. The present paper analyzes the phenomenon of localization of labor in the context of international migration in Oman . The development policy includes ‘Omanisation Program ’ as an attempt to reduce local unemployment and dependence on foreign labor through various strategies like enhancing educational and vocational training and reservation of jobs for nationals . Current localization policies in Oman play key role in deciding future international migration trend. With continuous expanding economic activity and small base of national population , it is possible that these countries may face labour crisis as expatriates are welcomed in selective areas from selective counties.