Oman Work Permit FAQ
How do I obtain a work permit for Oman?
Employers must sponsor work permits through the Ministry of Labour’s online system. The process requires a valid job offer, labour clearance confirming the position cannot be filled by an Omani national, and medical fitness certification. The employer handles the application process.
What is a labour clearance?
Labour clearance is approval from the Ministry of Labour confirming that the position has been advertised to Omani job seekers and no suitable candidate was found. It is a prerequisite for issuing a work permit to an expatriate employee and is linked to the company’s Omanisation compliance.
What is Omanisation and how does it affect hiring?
Omanisation requires companies to employ minimum percentages of Omani nationals, varying by sector. Companies must meet their Omanisation quotas before receiving labour clearances for expatriate workers. Non-compliant companies may face restrictions on new work permits and visa applications.
How long is a work permit valid?
Work permits are typically issued for two years and are renewable. The employer must apply for renewal before expiry. The work permit is tied to the sponsoring employer, and changing employers requires a transfer process or a new permit.
What is the labour card?
The labour card is the official identification document for expatriate workers in Oman, issued alongside the work permit. It contains personal details, employer information, and job title. Workers must carry their labour card or a copy at all times.
Can I change employers in Oman?
Yes, the transfer process allows workers to change employers subject to a no-objection certificate from the current employer or completion of the contract period. Recent reforms have simplified the transfer process to improve labour market flexibility.
What are the working hour regulations?
Standard working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, reduced to 6 hours per day during Ramadan for Muslim employees. Overtime is compensated at 125 percent of the basic hourly rate. Friday is the standard weekly rest day.
What leave entitlements exist?
Employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of annual leave after one year of service, 10 days of sick leave, and maternity leave of 50 days for female employees. Public holidays follow the official government calendar with paid time off.
Are there minimum wage requirements?
A minimum wage of OMR 325 per month applies to Omani nationals employed in the private sector. There is no statutory minimum wage for expatriate workers, though wages must be reasonable for the position and stated in the employment contract.
What end-of-service benefits apply?
Expatriate employees are entitled to end-of-service gratuity calculated at 15 days of basic salary for each of the first three years and one month’s salary for each subsequent year. Omani employees are covered by the social insurance system instead.