This study is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman to examine skill formation and Omanisation processes using qualitative methods. This study focuses on the relationship between education, skill formation and economic development in Oman. In particular, it examines the government ‘Vision 2020’ strategy on the development of human capital to deliver economic growth, especially through the expanding private sector. The upgrading of human capital is believed to be central to the process of Omanisation, that is, a plan to replace expatriate workers with Omani nationals. The main interest of this study is the perceptions and reactions of three stakeholders; policy makers, college managers and private sector employers. An aim of this study was to contribute to a greater understanding of Oman’s economic development, skill information and Omanisation process and identify barriers to the implementation of Omanisation in the private sector.

This study is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman to examine skill formation and Omanisation processes using qualitative methods. This study focuses on the relationship between education, skill formation and economic development in Oman. In particular, it examines the government ‘Visio...