Kenyans Continue to Dominate Oman’s Domestic Workforce

Kenyan nationals continue to play a prominent role in Oman’s domestic workforce, particularly in households and private service roles.

The sustained demand for expatriate domestic workers reflects both economic and cultural factors. As Omani women have increasingly entered professional and public roles, households have relied on foreign staff to manage domestic duties. 

Among expatriates, Kenyans are highly sought after for their discipline, adaptability, and fluency in English, with many also speaking functional Arabic. Recruitment occurs through both formal agencies and informal networks, allowing Kenyan workers to fill positions across domestic service, healthcare support, security, and technical assistance.

Oman’s wider economic development has long depended on foreign labour in construction, healthcare, and hospitality, allowing the country to grow while citizens acquire professional skills. Omanisation policies, introduced in the late 1990s to prioritise local employment, have largely excluded domestic work. 

Cultural expectations and lifestyle patterns continue to discourage Omani women from performing household chores themselves, maintaining high demand for expatriate staff. Current figures indicate that expatriates make up about 40 percent of Oman’s workforce, with the population numbering roughly 4.5 million. Of these workers, over 5,300 are Kenyan nationals, who remain prominent in domestic service. 

Recent regulations, such as Royal Decree No. 53 of 2023, which restrict foreign participation in skilled and semi-skilled jobs, have had limited effect on this segment of the workforce. Labour protections, including formal contracts, work permits, regulated hours, and end-of-service benefits, define the conditions under which expatriates operate. 

These measures reinforce the perception of foreign workers as reliable complements to local staff, allowing households and businesses to continue accessing experienced personnel. For Kenyan workers, established reputations and language skills provide a distinct advantage over other expatriate groups, sustaining their position in the market.