Oman Regulates Government Contracts with Omani Freelancers for Services Up to RO 5,000

Oman Creates New Pathways for Freelancers to Secure Government Work

Muscat:  The Ministry of Finance, through Financial Circular No. (1) of 2026, has directed all ministries, government units, authorities and public institutions to prioritise awarding certain specialised works and services valued at no more than RO 5,000 to self-employed and unemployed Omani citizens.

The directive is based on the regulatory framework set out in the Guide to Contracting Procedures with Self-Employed Individuals in the Sultanate of Oman, prepared by the National Employment Programme pursuant to a decision by the Financial and Economic Committee of the Council of Ministers.

Eng. Omar bin Abdul Aziz Al Maamari, Head of the Entrepreneurial Track at the National Employment Programme, said the financial circular represents a qualitative step in developing Oman’s freelance work system by creating wider opportunities for Omani talents to participate in government works and provide services to public entities.

In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he said the Guide to Contracting Procedures with Self-Employed Individuals will be issued during the next phase as a comprehensive procedural reference governing contracting mechanisms between government entities and freelancers.

The guide will clearly define procedures and responsibilities to ensure efficient implementation and the quality of outputs and services, while creating a transparent environment in which freelancers can compete for opportunities offered by government entities.

Al Maamari explained that the initiative forms part of a broader national effort to establish an integrated self-employment system that keeps pace with global labour-market transformations and creates opportunities for people with specialised skills and competencies.

He noted that the system includes developing regulatory and legislative frameworks, identifying fields and activities suitable for self-employment, strengthening training and qualification programmes, building capabilities, providing professional and commercial consultations, and facilitating access to business opportunities and government incentives.

He said enabling freelancers to participate in government work allows Omani professionals to utilise their skills and experience as direct economic opportunities and build professional records that strengthen their ability to grow and compete in the labour market.

The approach also contributes to enhancing local content, diversifying income sources and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

Al Maamari said the initiative is aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly its focus on building a diversified and competitive economy based on Omani knowledge and capabilities.

He added that it will contribute to increasing labour-market flexibility, improving productivity and expanding youth participation in different economic sectors.

He described the circular as a practical step towards moving the freelance work system from a regulatory and enabling framework to a tangible economic reality that provides real opportunities for self-employed Omani citizens.

The forthcoming guide is expected to further support this transition by establishing a clearer and more dynamic national market for specialised skills and services and enabling Omani talents to participate more broadly in government projects and contribute to economic development.