Demographic Shifts in Oman’s Expat Workforce: Rise of Some Nationalities, Decline of Others

The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in Oman has reported notable shifts in the country’s expat workforce composition. According to the data, the number of expatriate workers from certain nationalities has increased, while others have experienced a decline.

Nationality	May 2024 Count	Year-on-Year Change
Myanmar	28,947	↑ 102.6% Increase
Tanzania	19,962	↑ 44.5% Increase
Nepal	20,202	↓ 2.7% Decrease
Sri Lanka	26,374	↓ 4.3% Decrease
Egypt	42,219	↑ 8.1% Increase
Philippines	45,307	↓ 4.2% Decrease
India	509,006	↓ 4% Decrease
Pakistan	289,481	↑ 5% Increase
Bangladesh	684,108	↓ 2.8% Decrease

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Significant increase:

Myanmar: With an impressive growth of 102.6%, the number of workers from Myanmar reached 28,947 in May 2024. This figure was 23,329 people at the end of 2023.

Tanzania: The number of Tanzanian workers reached 19,962 with an increase of 44.5%.

Egypt: The number of Egyptian workers reached 42,219 with an increase of 8.1 percent.

Slight reduction:

Nepal: The number of Nepali workers decreased by 2.7% to 20,202 people.

Sri Lanka: 26,374 people (4.3% decrease)

Philippines: 45,307 people (4.2% decrease)

Citizens of India and Pakistan:

India: Among the large communities of foreign workers, the number of Indian nationals in May 2024 decreased by 4 percent compared to the same period last year and reached 6,509. At the end of 2023, the number of Indians working in Oman was 520,431.

Pakistan: On the other hand, the number of Pakistani workers in May 2024 increased by 5 percent compared to the same period last year and reached 289,481 people. At the end of 2023, the number of Pakistanis working in Oman was 288,290.

Significant reduction of Bangladeshi nationals:

The largest population decline has been observed among Bangladeshi nationals. The number of Bangladeshi workers has decreased from 719,111 at the end of 2023 to 684,108 in May this year. This decrease compared to last year is equivalent to 2.8%. It should be noted that on October 31, 2023, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) suspended the issuance of any new work visas for Bangladeshi nationals and the conversion of all tourist and visit visas to work visas for all nationalities entering Oman.

Source: Demographic Shifts in Oman’s Expat Workforce: Rise of Some Nationalities, Decline of Others – Oman Observer