Employment Visa In Oman
Oman is a growing country and there is a constant high demand of employees in various fields. As per the rules and regulations of Oman, any international employee coming to work in Oman needs a valid Employment Visa. The person applying for an employment visa need not be an Omani national. In order to apply for the employment visa, you have to look for an employer who would sponsor your visa. However, if you are a returning citizen or someone with an expiring visa, you can get permission to remain in Oman on a monthly basis and renew your annual visa till you get yourself sanctioned with a new sponsorship.
Employment Visa in Oman is a most sought after type of visa among Indian nationals. It allows multiple entry and exit without the need to obtain an exit permit. To apply for an Employment Visa in Oman, one needs to have a sponsor who should be a citizen of Oman or an organization established in Oman. The employee and employer should sign an employment contract before applying for an employment visa. We will base our discussion today on – Employment Visa In Oman. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: new employment visa rules in oman 2022 and oman employment visa processing time 2022
Employment Visa In Oman
Oman Work Visas and Permits
Employers are typically responsible for sponsoring foreign workers in Oman, which means your company needs to know how to get a work visa in the country to stay compliant. For everything from acquiring an employment visa to come into Oman to getting a residence card and permit, you must ensure that your employees have everything they need. This process is a challenge for many companies that also need to handle all the other details of a global expansion.
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Employers are typically responsible for sponsoring foreign workers in Oman, which means your company needs to know how to get a work visa in the country to stay compliant. For everything from acquiring an employment visa to come into Oman to getting a residence card and permit, you must ensure that your employees have everything they need. This process is a challenge for many companies that also need to handle all the other details of a global expansion.
Types of Work Visas in Oman
Oman has a variety of visa types available, including the following:
- Visit visa: This is the most standard visa option for basic entry into Oman. All foreign nationals must obtain a valid entry visa to come into the country unless they’re from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country. Visit visas also come in their own types, including business, tourist, and family visit visas. They’re valid for six months from the issue date, and stays vary depending on visa type.
- Scientific research visa: These visas are for foreigners entering Oman specifically for scientific research. Local specialized authorities must request them on behalf of the applicant.
- Employment visa: Employers obtain employment visas on behalf of foreign workers age 21 or older. Both the employee and employer must meet specific requirements to apply. The visa is valid for two years from the date of entry.
- Investors’ visa: This visa is meant for foreigners who want to invest in Oman. It requires approval by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Family joining visa: A wife and any children of a foreign employee who are under the age of 21 can apply for the family joining visa. This visa requires a certificate from the Ministry of Interior to confirm marriage status. Family visas expire when the employee’s residence permit expires.
Requirements to Obtain Oman Work Visas
The entire process of sponsoring a foreign worker is time-consuming and requires many documents. Since you, as the employer, will handle the process, you should prepare these documents ahead of time to avoid delays:
- An Omanization plan showing the positions you’ll fill with Omani nationals
- A list of desired expatriate employees, including positions and genders
- Copies of all foreign employee passports with at least six months’ validity
- Employees’ relevant certificates and qualifications
- Transcripts from educational institutions
- Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Oman Embassy in the employee’s native country
- A copy of the labor license issued by the Ministry of Manpower
- An invitation or job offer letter from your registered company
- A medical certificate from an approved clinic based on the employee’s home country
- Two recent passport photos
Application Process
The first step to obtaining Oman working visas for employees is procuring a labor license from the Ministry of Manpower. You will need to submit an application form to the specialized directorate in the Ministry of Manpower. Doing so will give you clearance to hire expatriates. Next, you can send a letter of invitation to all employees who satisfy the conditions and quotas for the labor clearance.
Every expatriate you’re sponsoring needs an individual Oman work visa. You’ll submit the applications to the Immigration Department of the Royal Oman Police through a one-stop source. After the visa is cleared for the employee, they’ll need to attain a residence card to legally live in Oman while employed. This step will take place once your employee enters Oman. Within 30 days of arrival, they must go to the Civil Status Department of the Royal Oman Police to obtain their residence card.
Other Important Considerations
If an employee ever needs to change jobs, you terminate the contract prematurely, or the contract expires, the expatriate must leave the country for at least two years unless they get a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This document will show that you, as the sponsoring employer, and the government do not have issues with the employee working in the country.
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Oman New Visa Rules 2022: What We Know About the New Visa Rules in Oman
Following an official statement released towards the beginning of June 2022, the third round of political consultations on the Schengen visa waiver was held between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union.
The main motive behind this meeting was to discuss measures to help Oman in achieving visa-free travel to the EU.
Oman new visa rules 2022
Visa-free entry to Oman for GCC travellers
As stated by the authorities, the new rule is applicable across all commercial professions at any time, regardless of a traveller’s point of departure.
Furthermore, residents are not required to arrive directly from their country of residence to enjoy this benefit. The rule will be applicable and they will be permitted entry at any time and from any destination they arrive from.
However, to be eligible for entry into Oman, the GCC traveller’s residence visa must be valid for a period of no less than three (3) months.
Schengen visa waiver
According to some official reports, the third round of political consultations on the Schengen visa waiver was held between the Foreign Ministry of Oman and the European External Action Service of the European Union towards the beginning of June 2022.
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows individuals to travel to any Schengen Area country for stays of up to 90 days within a period of six (6) months for tourism or business purposes. Moreover, the visa-free Schengen zone is mainly popular amongst citizens of Oman who wish to enter the area for business, leisure, and education purposes.
The Foreign Ministry of Oman stated that the two nations discussed measures that aim to help Oman in achieving visa-free travel to the EU. Additionally, the session also covered bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union, and methods to improve and develop them to serve the common interests of both sides.
Headed by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Diplomatic Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry from Oman, and Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General and Political Director of the EEAS from the EU, the two parties also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.
