Saturday 12 / September / 2026
Muscat: The Ministry of Finance has directed ministries, government units, authorities and public institutions to award specialised works and services valued at up to OMR5,000 to independent Omani self-employed individuals who are not employed.
The directive was issued through Financial Circular No. (1) of 2026 and is based on the regulatory framework outlined in the Guide to Contracting Procedures with Independent Employers in Oman, prepared by the National Employment Programme following a decision by the Financial and Economic Committee of the Council of Ministers.
Engineer Omar bin Abdul Aziz Al Maamari, Head of the Entrepreneurial Track at the National Employment Programme, said the circular represents a significant step in developing Oman’s freelance work system and expanding opportunities for national talents to provide specialised services to government entities.
In a statement to Oman News Agency, Al Maamari said the initiative will strengthen the participation of independent Omani professionals in government projects and enhance their role in the national economy.
He revealed that the Guide to Contracting Procedures with Independent Employers will be issued during the next phase, providing a comprehensive procedure for contracting between government entities and freelancers.
The guide will set out contracting procedures and responsibilities, helping ensure efficient implementation and quality outputs and services, while creating a clearer framework for freelancers to compete for opportunities offered by government entities.
Al Maamari said the initiative forms part of a broader national effort to establish an integrated freelance work ecosystem that responds to global labour-market changes and enables people with specialised skills and competencies to access opportunities suited to their capabilities.
The national approach includes developing regulatory and legislative frameworks, identifying sectors and activities suitable for freelance work, strengthening training and qualification programmes, building professional capabilities, providing professional and commercial consultancy, and facilitating access to business opportunities.
It will also enable freelancers to benefit from incentives and support mechanisms provided by government entities.
He said allowing independent professionals to participate in government work would enable Omani talents to translate their skills and experience into direct economic opportunities.
The initiative will also help freelancers build professional records that can strengthen their ability to develop their careers and compete in the labour market, while supporting local content, diversifying income sources and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
Al Maamari noted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly efforts to build a diversified and competitive national economy based on Omani knowledge and expertise.
He said the approach would contribute to greater labour-market flexibility, higher productivity and broader participation by young Omanis in economic activities and sectors.
Al Maamari described the financial circular as a practical milestone in moving freelance work from a regulatory and enabling framework towards tangible economic opportunities.
He added that the forthcoming publication of the contracting guide would further support this transition and contribute to creating a more flexible and dynamic national market for specialised skills and services.
The initiative is expected to enable Omani freelancers to participate more extensively in government works and projects and contribute to the Sultanate’s broader economic development efforts.
