How to Get a Work VISA in Oman for Employees – A Guide for Businesses

Oman is becoming popular for expats seeking job opportunities in the Middle East. Its growing economy and strategic location are attracting workers from around the globe, particularly in sectors such as oil & gas, construction, and renewable energy. For companies in the engineering sector, Oman not only offers a skilled workforce but also a stable business environment conducive to investment and growth. The Oman government has introduced initiatives aimed at economic diversification, creating many prospective projects for businesses looking to establish a foothold in the region.  

However, expatriate employees must obtain the appropriate working visa to work legally in Oman. Below is the necessary information for transferring foreign workers to Oman, including the various visa types, requirements, and application processes.

It’s important to note that dual nationalities are not accepted in the region, so employees with two passports, even if one is Omani, might be confiscated by authorities.

All visa permits are issued and regulated by the Royal Oman Police (ROP). On their website, you can find relevant information on work permit requirements and any exemptions that may affect your expat employee.

Who Needs to Apply for a Visa?

Obtaining a work visa in Oman needs input from both parties: the expat worker and their future employer. Understanding who is responsible for initiating this process is essential for ensuring a smooth transition into the Omani job market. There are two main points to consider:

1. If you are an Omani business and have offered a foreign national a job, you will be responsible for starting the visa application.
2. For those intending to start their own business or work independently in Oman, the responsibility for applying for a work visa lies with the individual.  

Of course, the application process will differ depending on the specific type of work visa being sought and which country your future employee is currently based. Companies should familiarise themselves with the criteria associated with employees' nationality and profession, which can help facilitate a more efficient application process and avoid unnecessary delays.

Important Note: The Ministry of Labour has announced a six-month temporary suspension of new work permits for non-Omani workers in 13 occupations, effective 1 September 2024. This suspension, outlined in Ministerial Decision No 452/2024, targets roles across the private sector, such as construction workers, cleaners, and electricians. 

The decision aims to boost employment for Omani nationals. However, renewals and service transfers for existing non-Omani workers will still be allowed.

Types of Work Visas Available in Oman

Oman offers several visa types for foreign nationals wishing to work in the country, which have different requirements and application processes depending on the purpose of the visit and the nature of the prospective role. These permits are available to those aged between 21 and 60 who want to live and work in Oman legally. Here are the three main working visa types:

Employment Work Visa

The Employment Work Visa is the most common work visa for expat workers in Oman. This permit allows employees to reside and work in the country and is typically sponsored by the Omani employer or company.

• Validity: The visa is valid for two years from the stamping date on your passport and allows multiple entries.
• Employer responsibility: Omani employers take responsibility for the employees during their stay in the country.
• Labour license: Unless a government organisation invites your prospective employee, you’ll need to obtain a labour license from the Ministry of Manpower.

Temporary Work Visa

Oman offers a temporary work visa for short-term work contracts, which is ideal for those coming to Oman for a brief period.

• Validity: Depending on the work requirements, this visa can be valid for 4, 6, or 9 months.
• Multiple entries: This visa allows for multiple entries, which is beneficial if your employee is required to travel frequently for business.
• Employer request: The employer must request and take responsibility for this type of visa.

Family Joining Visa

If whole families need to be relocated to Oman, the Family Joining Visa is offered to an expatriate employee’s spouse and children under 21. Omani citizens can also apply for this visa if they have a foreign wife, and their marriage can be validated through a Ministry of Interior certificate.

• Validity: The visa is valid for two years from the stamping date on the holder’s passport and allows multiple entries.
• Family requirements: The expatriate spouse must hold a senior job according to GCC standards, reside in a home rented in their name or that of their employer, and earn a monthly income of at least RO 600.
• Marriage requirements: The foreign wife of an Omani national must have an approved copy of their marriage certificate. This must be authenticated by the embassy of their home country, the Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and validated by the Ministry of Interior.

Always ensure your prospective employee meets all the requirements and consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on Omani visa applications and policies.

The Application Process for an Employment Visa

To secure an employment visa, the employer must be based in Oman and have the complete legal competence to hire foreign nationals. Once these requirements are met, the application has several steps, which can be summarised as follows:

1. Employer’s Responsibilities: The first step in the process is for the employer to obtain a labour license from the Ministry of Manpower. This license is essential for hiring foreign employees and demonstrates compliance with Omanisation policies, which require a certain percentage of Omani nationals in the workforce. The timeline for obtaining labour clearance can vary, typically taking 30 to 90 days, depending on the company's PRO efficiency and Omanisation status.

2. Job Offer and Documentation: Once the labour license is secured, the employer must provide a formal job offer to the prospective employee. The following documentation is typically required for the application:

• A copy of the employee’s passport, valid for at least six months.
• Two recent passport-sized (6x4cm) photographs.
• A copy of the labour license for each application form.
• Medical certificates (original and copy) for nationals of certain countries, attested by the Ministry of Health. These countries include India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, and Nepal.
• Proof of the employee’s qualifications and experience, some of which require additional documents. For instance, engineers need a letter from the Ministry of Manpower.
• Confirmation letters from the Oman Embassy in the applicant's home country and the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Visa Application Submission: The employer must submit the application with all the necessary documents to the Immigration Department of the Royal Oman Police. This process can be completed online.

4. Residence Card Application: Upon arrival in Oman, the expatriate must apply for a Residence Card within 30 days of entry. This card is essential for legal residency and valid for the duration of the employment contract. These can be obtained from the Civil Status Department of the Royal Oman Police.

5. No Objection Certificate (NOC): If an expatriate wishes to change jobs, they will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer. This document confirms that the employer has no objection to the employee leaving their position, a crucial step in the job transition process.

Application Fees

To apply for an Oman work visa, a fee of 20 OMR is required, which is non-refundable. If the visa expires without renewal, a fine of 50 OMR will be incurred for each month of delay.

For the Family Joining Visa, a fee of 30 OMR is required.

Compliance with Omani Labour Laws

Businesses must comply with Omani labour laws throughout the employment process. This includes ensuring that employment contracts are in place, detailing terms such as wages, working hours, and benefits. Contracts should also respect Omani customs and laws, particularly those related to Islamic practices. It is also courtesy of the employer to inform prospective expat workers about Omani culture and regulations to ensure they respect and adapt easily to their new environment.

Looking to Expand Globally? Partner with an Employer of Record Company

For businesses looking to expand their operations in Oman without the complexities of setting up a local entity, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) can be highly beneficial. An EOR manages all aspects of employment, including visa applications, payroll, and compliance with local labour laws.

NES Fircroft, with offices in over 45 countries and extensive experience in international expansion, can help you hire employees quickly, compliantly, and with minimal risk. Hiring workers from abroad is an excellent way to access specialist skills and talent that might be in short supply locally. They also provide diverse perspectives and allow companies to scale their teams quickly in accordance with project demands.

Contact us today to find more information about our EOR services.