Doing Business in Oman - RSM International

Chapter 5: Employment
Labour relations in Oman are extremely peaceful. Omani Labour Law covers employers
and employees in the public and private sectors. It applies to both local and expatriate
employees. The employer must obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Manpower to
employ expatriates and the request must specify the occupation of the expatriates.
5.1 Omanisation
To ensure that the local population is employed to the greatest extent possible, the
government encourages staffing with Omani nationals. Guidelines issued by the Ministry
of Manpower require private companies operating in specified sectors to employ Omani
nationals as a certain percentage of their work force.
Omanisation percentages are fixed for different sectors. In addition certain specific jobs
are fully reserved for Omani nationals.
5.2 Foreign entry visas and work permits
The Government of Oman has issued visas procedures, which are aimed at liberalizing
the entry regulations into Oman.
Citizens from certain countries mentioned in list number one such as Austria, France,
Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and United States of America are eligible to obtain single
entry visit visas on arrival on all ports of entry into the country.
Citizens of countries on list number one and list number two such as Albania, Egypt,
India, Iran etc. can obtain multiple entry visas from Oman’s diplomatic missions or
Commercial Representative Offices in these countries.
In addition, for countries not covered under these lists, express visas may also be issued
within 24 hours of application.
Employment visas are issued for a two year period to foreigners coming to Oman for
employment with multiple entry and renewal facility.
5.3 Foreign personnel
Employers wishing to employ foreign nationals must obtain labour clearances from the
Ministry of Manpower. An employer may engage a foreign employee only in the jobs
specified by the labour clearance.
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