Muscat: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued on Thursday a Financial Circular No. (1) for the fiscal year 2026, setting out regulations for awarding specialised projects and government contracts to independent Omani freelancers who are not employed.
Under the circular, ministries, government administrative units, public authorities and state institutions are required to award contracts for business activities and specialised services valued at no more than RO5,000 directly to independent Omani freelance professionals.
The ministry said the contracting process must be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out by the National Employment Programme (Tashgheel).
The circular follows executive decisions approved by the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, based on directives endorsed by the Council of Ministers.
The MoF called on all government entities to ensure compliance with the circular and implement its provisions in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations and relevant legal frameworks.
