Oman: Protests ongoing over economic conditions in Sohar and Salalah, May 25 /update 1

Event

Protests are ongoing in Sohar and Salalah, Oman, May 25. The action is in response to recent layoffs in Sohar, rising unemployment, and worsening economic conditions. Security forces have deployed en masse to monitor protests, firing tear gas at large gatherings in addition to detaining several protesters.

Additional clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out, especially if police forcibly attempt to disperse protesters. Demonstrators may attempt to block or march along roadways, causing localized transport disruptions. Business disruptions are also possible near areas of unrest.

Context

Authorities in Oman do not tolerate any significant form of political expression or dissent. As such, the protests as seen in Sohar are a relatively rare occurrence in the Sultanate. The protests do, however, mark the first significant form of unrest since Sultan Haitham bin Tariq ascended to power in early 2020 following the death of the long-ruling Sultan Qaboos.

Oman faces a high unemployment rate of approximately 16 percent. Expatriates and foreign workers occupy the majority of jobs in the private sector. Officials have long pursued Omanization initiatives to increase employment opportunities for Omani nationals; however, the overwhelming majority of Omani nationals are still employed by the state. Should protesters' socioeconomic grievances not be adequately addressed, they have the potential to spread to other major cities within Oman.

Advice

Monitor local media sources for updates on protests and road conditions, as organizers may not announce demonstration locations in advance. Avoid all gatherings due to possible clashes. If violence breaks out, leave the area and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed all security personnel instructions.