Oman, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. It shares land borders with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, making it a strategic hub for trade and employment.

With its thriving economy, Oman is home to a large expatriate population living under employment and business visas. However, ex-pats must follow specific rules and regulations to work and reside legally in the Sultanate.

This guide explains Oman ex-pat laws, labor rules, Omanization policies, and employment visa requirements to help foreign workers stay compliant.

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Expat Rules in Oman

Oman has implemented a mix of employment regulations and Omanization policies aimed at creating a balance between expatriate workers and local citizens.

Work Permit Costs:
- Companies hiring Omani workers can enjoy a 25% reduction in ex-pat hiring costs.
- Businesses meeting Omanization quotas can receive up to a 50% reduction.
Omanization Rates: Distribution of Omani and foreign workers is calculated based on the company’s activity type.
Summer Work Breaks: Expat employees working in open areas like construction sites are entitled to a mandatory afternoon break from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm during June, July, and August.
Employment Performance: Companies may replace underperforming employees (local or foreign) if they fail to meet productivity expectations.

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Expat Laws in Oman

The Omani Labor Law is divided into ten key sections that regulate work and residency:

Employment of Omani citizens and regulation of foreign workers
Contracts of employment
Wages, leaves, and working hours
Employment of minors and women
Industrial safety measures
Employment rules for mines and quarries
Labor disputes resolution
Labor unions and worker federations
Penalties for violations

Ministry of Manpower’s Role

The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) manages the labor market by:

Encouraging Omani nationals to register for jobs.
Monitoring private sector hiring to boost Omani workforce participation.
Coordinating with government, employers, and employees for balanced workforce policies.

👉 Related: [Oman Visas with Multiple and Single Entries]

Oman Employment Visa Requirements 2026

To legally work in Oman, expatriates must apply for an employment visa. Below are the updated requirements:

Passport with at least 6 months validity and photocopies.
Completed visa application form in Arabic or English.
Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background.
Employment contract and letter of invitation from the Oman-based employer.
Company letter confirming your role and need for employment.
Bank statement (minimum 3 months old, stamped).
Sponsor’s details and a signed undertaking of responsibility.
Vaccination and medical certificates (including COVID-19 vaccine proof).

⚠️ Note: Applications with missing or incorrect details may be rejected without explanation.

👉 Related: [What is the Process for Oman Student Visa]

Key Points for Expat Workers in Oman

Work Hours: Standard working hours are 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week.
Leaves: Employees are entitled to annual leave of 30 days.
Gratuity: End-of-service benefits apply to ex-pats after completion of contracts.
Dependents: Expatriates on a valid employment visa can sponsor their spouse and children for a family joining visa.

Conclusion

Oman offers excellent opportunities for expatriates, but it also enforces strict labor laws and visa regulations to ensure fair employment practices. Understanding Omanization, expat labor rules, and employment visa requirements is crucial for anyone planning to live and work in the Sultanate.

To simplify the process, you can apply for your Oman Visa Online through trusted platforms like Oman IE Visa, which ensures a fast and reliable service.