Oman is a country situated on the southern coast of the Arabian peninsula in Western Asia. It has become an attractive destination for foreigners, attracting tourists and foreign workers worldwide. This results from its expanding economy, high quality of life, and rich cultural heritage. Oman is an excellent option if you’re looking for a suitable country for employment opportunities. It has become a home for foreign healthcare, engineering, tourism, and hospitality professionals. However, you must get an Oman work visa to work legally in Oman. Let’s get into what the Oman visa is all about. We’ll discuss the visa types, application process, eligibility requirements, and costs.
Benefits of Working in Oman
Working in Oman as a Foreign national offers nothing but the best experience, making it an attractive destination in the Middle East. Here are some primary benefits of taking the bold step of working in Oman:
Tax-Free Income
Like many other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Oman offers local and foreign workers a tax-free income. This allows employees to take home their full salary without deductions for personal income tax, which can significantly increase savings.
Competitive Salaries
If better employment and salary are what you’re looking for, then Oman offers just that. Salaries in Oman are generally competitive, especially in skilled sectors like engineering, oil and gas, healthcare, and construction. Many companies also provide their employees with annual bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Low Cost of Living
Compared to other GCC countries, Oman often has a lower cost of living, especially in terms of rent and everyday expenses. This allows expatriates to save more income, enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, or put their money into other projects.
Good Benefits Packages
Aside from the standard salary, Omani employers usually offer generous benefits packages to make their employees comfortable. These benefits may include housing or a housing allowance, transportation, and paid utilities. The good part is that some companies also offer children’s education allowances for expatriates who bring their children and airline tickets for annual home leave. What more can a foreign worker desire?
Types of Work Visa
It is not just Oman; you need to secure a work visa and permit to work overseas. Oman offers several types of visas for those looking to work or invest in the country, and here are the most common types include:
Employment Visa
This is the standard work visa for skilled foreign employees hired by Omani companies. It is issued at the request of Omani employers to allow foreign nationals to work and stay in Oman for their employment. The standard work visa is usually valid for 2 years from the approval date, with an opportunity for extension before expiration. This multi-entry visa is issued to applicants at least 21 years old at the time of application.
Employment Contracting Visa
The employment contracting visa is for foreign workers whose job roles require an initial screening by some government organizations. This single-entry visa is usually valid for 2 months and can be extended for one additional month. In this case, these government bodies need approval for the visa application.
Family Joining Visa
A family joining visa, also known as a dependent visa, allows expatriates working in Oman to sponsor and bring in their family members to join them. Foreign workers can only bring in their spouses and children under 21. Also, applying for this visa requires you to present a marriage certificate from the Ministry of Interior to validate your relationship. It’s a multi-entry visa lasting 2 years from the approval date.
Foreign workers who want to bring their families to Oman must earn at least OMR 600 and have accommodation in either their name or employer’s name. Also, the expatriate’s partner must be in a senior Job role based on the GULF Cooperation Council (GCC) rule.
Temporary Work Visa
As the name implies, a temporary work visa is issued to foreign workers wanting to work temporarily in Oman. It’s intended for short-term, project-based, or contract-based employment. The temporary work visa is a multi-entry visa usually valid for 4-9 months, depending on the work permit duration.
Investor Visa
Here’s one for foreign nationals interested in establishing or investing in a business in Oman. You can either go through real estate or commercial investment. It’s a long-term visa that can last between 5 to 10 years. To come into Oman via this route, you must be willing to make an investment or buy a property worth OMR 250,000 to 500,000, depending on the tier you go for. You need approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Investment promotion within the Sultanate of Oman. However, if you want to work in a company you’re investing in, you must get a work permit.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an Oman work visa, you’ll need to meet several eligibility criteria:
- As an applicant, you must be between 21 and 60 years old. Specific roles may have age preferences, which the employer should verify.
- Depending on the job, you may need a minimum education level, specific certifications, or a license. Technical jobs, for example, may require degrees, licenses, or other proof of expertise.
- You must have an Oman employer ready to sponsor your visa application. Your Oman employer is responsible for initiating your work visa application.
- Your employer must be registered and authorized to employ foreign nationals.
- You’ll need to pass a health examination, including tests for infectious diseases.
- You need a police clearance certificate to provide a clean criminal record.
Documents Required For an Oman Work Visa
To apply for an Oman work visa, you need to have the following documents:
- Signed employment contract or job offer from your Omani employer
- A Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your expected entry date.
- Recent passport-sized photos based on Omani visa specifications.
- A completed application form should be submitted through your employer.
- Medical examination report from an accredited health center.
- Extra documents such as educational certificates or professional licenses may be required.
Application Process
The following is a simple application process for an Omani work visa, which you and your Omani employer are involved in.
Document Preparation
The first step in processing your Oman work visa is gathering and making sure all required documents are complete, valid, and up-to-date. You don’t want that last-minute rush.
Employer Submission
Note that you’re not the only one involved in your visa application; your employer is very involved. Depending on the job you’re being hired for, your employer must submit your documents and application to the Royal Oman Police or Omani Ministry of Manpower.
Approval And Issuance of Visa
Once all documents are submitted correctly, your Oman employer has to follow up if there are delays. Once approved, your visa will be issued, allowing you to enter Oman legally and begin your employment journey. To know if your visa is approved or not, you can follow up on the Royal Oman Police portal and input your visa application number and other required details.
Processing Time and Fees
Most visa applications are processed within 1-4 weeks. However, delays may occur due to incomplete or improper documentation. Background verification can also cause visa approval delays. Visa applications can be processed faster when employment is urgent, and employers expedite the process for faster approval.
Getting an Oman work visa varies in price as pricing varies with visa type, employer policies, and application fees set by the government. Generally, the price ranges for a standard work visa vary from OMR 20 to OMR 300 (approximately $52 to $780), with investor and temporary visas generating more.
Renewal and Extension
You are expected to return to your home country once your employer contract or work visa has expired. However, if your employer still needs your service or you plan to stay longer in Oman, you must renew your work visa before it expires. It is important to renew on time, as you will be charged OMR 50 per month until you renew your visa.
The work visa renewal requirement is quite similar to the initial visa application. The renewal requires a valid passport, an updated employment contract, and, in some cases, a new health examination. Most work visas allow for two-year renewals, depending on your employment contract and Omani labor policies. Also, the renewal fees are usually the same as the initial visa fees. You can get more information from your employer to clarify costs and timelines.
Other Things to Know About Working in Oman
As a foreign national, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Oman’s rules and policies, especially regarding employment. Knowing these things will help you work in safe and fair conditions. Expatriates working in Oman have rights and are protected under Omani labor laws.
The following are some things to note as a foreign worker in Oman:
Minimum Wage
Omani nationals and foreign workers are guaranteed a minimum wage, though no fixed minimum wage exists for expatriates. However, standard industry salaries are competitive.
Working Hours
The standard work hours in Oman are 40–48 hours, typically from Sunday to Thursday. If you exceed this hour, you must be paid for overtime.
Health and Safety Regulations
Your Oman employer is legally responsible for your safety. They must provide safe working environments and the necessary health facilities for their employees.
Job Termination
Reviewing your employment contract before signing or accepting a job offer is very important. Employment contracts always contain detailed termination terms. Oman’s labor law ensures protection against unfair dismissal and provides grievance procedures.
Conclusion
Being one of the popular destinations to relocate to, Oman offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth and a smooth visa process, making moving countries even more rewarding. Understanding the requirements and application process make the application easier. If you need more assistance with your Oman work visa application, we encourage you to reach out to your sponsor or the relevant Omani government offices to ensure a seamless relocation.
