Oman Work Visa

What is the Oman Work Visa?

The Oman Work Visa, primarily the Employment Visa, is a mandatory permit for foreign nationals who have secured a job offer from an Omani-registered company. This visa allows individuals to legally live and work in the Sultanate under the sponsorship of their employer. Unlike a tourist or business visa, it explicitly grants the holder the right to be employed in Oman. Other types of work visas cater to specific needs, such as short-term projects or domestic work.

Purpose of the Oman Work Visa

The primary purpose of the Oman Work Visa system is to regulate the employment of foreign labor and ensure it aligns with Oman’s economic and labor market needs. It helps in filling skill gaps, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting economic expansion while also safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees. The system also supports Oman’s Omanization policy, which aims to increase the percentage of Omani nationals in the workforce across various sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for the Oman Work Visa

To be eligible for an Oman Work Visa, applicants generally need to meet several criteria, which are largely facilitated by the sponsoring employer:

Sponsorship by an Omani Employer

A local Omani-registered company must provide a confirmed job offer and sponsor your visa application. Freelancers or independent contractors cannot be sponsored for a standard work visa.

Age Limit

Applicants are typically required to be between 21 and 60 years of age.

Confirmed Job Offer and Employment Contract

A valid employment contract from the Omani employer is essential. This contract should comply with Omani labor laws.

Relevant Academic and Professional Qualifications

Applicants must possess qualifications and experience pertinent to the job role. Educational certificates often require attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country and the Omani Embassy.

Medical Clearance

All foreign workers must undergo and pass medical examinations both before and after arriving in Oman. These typically include screenings for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis B.

Passport Validity

A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required.

Compliance with Omanization Policy

Employers must adhere to Omanization quotas, which mandate a certain percentage of local hires. The ability to secure a work visa for an expatriate often depends on the employer demonstrating that the role cannot be filled by an Omani national.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) – Historical Note:

Previously, a NOC was required from a former employer to switch jobs within two years. This two-year labor ban and NOC requirement were lifted effective January 1, 2021, making it easier for expatriates to change employers after completing their contract.

Application Process for the Oman Work Visa

The application for an Oman Work Visa is primarily handled by the sponsoring employer in Oman. The general steps are as follows:

Employer Obtains Labor License

The Omani employer first obtains a Labor License from the Ministry of Labour (formerly Ministry of Manpower) for the foreign employee. This license provides clearance for the employer to hire foreign workers and ensures compliance with Omanization rules and job specifications.

Job Offer and Invitation Letter

The employer sends a formal job offer and an invitation letter to the prospective employee.

Submit Visa Application to Royal Oman Police (ROP)

Once the labor license is secured, the employer submits the employment visa application to the Immigration Department of the Royal Oman Police. This often involves an online application service through the ROP website.

Required Documentation

The application must include all necessary documents, such as copies of the applicant’s passport, recent passport photographs, a copy of the work permit/labor license, and the medical examination certificate. Attested copies of qualification certificates are also crucial.

Await Visa Processing

The ROP reviews the application. Processing times can vary, typically ranging from 7 to 15 business days for employment visas, though some sources indicate up to a month.

Visa Stamping

Upon approval, the visa is stamped in the employee’s passport.

Obtain Residence Card (Post-Arrival)

After the employee arrives in Oman with their work visa, they must obtain a residence card from the Civil Status Department of the Royal Oman Police within 30 days of entry. This involves a blood test at a medical center and fingerprinting. The residence card is typically valid for two years.

Benefits of the Oman Work Visa

Obtaining an Oman Work Visa comes with several significant advantages:

• Legal Employment: The visa provides legal authorization to work in Oman, ensuring compliance with local laws.
• Permanent Residency Pathway: The Employment Visa typically leads to a residence card, allowing you to reside legally in Oman for the duration of your employment.
• Access to Services: Residents gain access to various public services, although specific benefits like healthcare may require employer-provided health insurance (a recent update).
• Family Inclusion: The primary visa holder can sponsor dependents (spouse and children under 21) to join them in Oman via a Family Joining Visa.
• Potential Pathway to Citizenship: While direct citizenship is rare and challenging, long-term residency and significant contributions could potentially open avenues for naturalization in the future under specific circumstances.

Updates and Considerations for 2025

Oman’s labor and immigration policies are subject to ongoing review and adjustments. Here are some important updates and considerations for 2025:

Grace Period for Irregular Status

A grace period was announced until July 31, 2025, allowing foreign nationals in irregular status to regularize their immigration status without fines by applying for a new visa or exiting the country.

Restrictions on Visa Conversion

Tourist visa holders and express visa holders may no longer convert their visas to Omani work visas from within the Sultanate. These individuals are now required to exit Oman and obtain a work visa before re-entering for work.

Ban on New Visas for Bangladeshi Nationals

Effective October 31, 2023, nationals of Bangladesh are ineligible to obtain new Omani visas of any type until further notice.

Temporary Transfer of Foreign Workers

New regulations have been introduced for the temporary transfer of foreign workers between private sector establishments, requiring the employee to have completed at least six months with their current employer, the new role to be in the same professional category, and transfers not exceeding six months per worker per year, among other rules.

Work Visa Suspension for Certain Professions

Oman has introduced a six-month suspension of work visas for certain private-sector jobs, including construction workers, chefs, and barbers, as part of efforts to prioritize local hiring (Omanization).

Restrictions on IT Professions

Specific IT professions, such as General Systems Analysts, Information Systems Network Specialists, Marine Controllers, Ship Movement Controllers, and Computer Maintenance Technicians, will face restrictions starting January 1, 2025. Computer Programmers, Computer Engineers, and Computer Operators will face restrictions from January 1, 2026.

Health Insurance and Wage Protection

A new regulation requires employers to provide health insurance for expatriates, and the wage protection system has been strengthened to ensure timely salary transfers.

New Labour Law (53/2023)

This law introduces changes, including a reduction of standard work hours to 40 hours per week and enhanced leave entitlements. It also clarifies regulations around sick leave, maternity leave, and end-of-service benefits.

Abolition of NOC (No Objection Certificate)

As of January 1, 2021, the requirement for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a previous employer to switch jobs has been lifted, making it easier for expatriates to change employers after completing their contracts.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Thorough Research: Ensure your occupation is in demand and that you meet all specific requirements for your role.
• Employer Collaboration: Work closely with your sponsoring employer, as they are central to the visa application process.
• Document Attestation: Begin the attestation process for your educational and professional documents early, as it can be time-consuming.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any new announcements or changes in Oman’s immigration and labor policies through official channels.
• Maintain Compliance: Once in Oman, ensure strict compliance with Omani labor laws and residence regulations.

Final Thoughts

The Oman Work Visa is your gateway to professional opportunities in a nation that values skilled international contributions. While the process involves several steps, understanding the requirements and recent changes can significantly streamline your application. By partnering effectively with your Omani employer and preparing meticulously, you can look forward to a rewarding career and life experience in the Sultanate of Oman.