Muscat – Scrapping the maximum age limit of 60 years for expatriates to stay on the job in the sultanate by the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to facilitate the workflow of employers and make the country attractive for many expatriates.
MoL recently issued a decision to remove the rule banning the extension of employment visas after 60 years of age. According to Muscat Daily sources at MoL, the decision was taken because there have been a lot of special requests from different companies to allow their expatriate employees to keep working beyond 60 years of age.
For years, this has been one of the topics being discussed among the public wondering why this rule has been there.
“I am pleased and sure that the decision has brought relief to many business people, especially during this period of global economic challenges,” Dr Mohamed H Darwish, retired spinal surgeon and Honorary Consul General of Ireland, said.
“I think that the economy needs brave decisions like this to be taken in order to put the businesses and economy back on its tracks. The knowledge and skills of the people in this age group is invaluable, not only for work but also important for sharing their knowledge with the younger Omani generation,” he added.
Shahzad Raza, a long time resident in Oman who is currently managing a signage and digital printing business, said, “Taking the age limit bar off work visas for expatriates is a great news. This is perhaps one of the most positive steps the government of Oman has taken in the last few months to raise everyone’s spirits dampened by the economic hardships due to the pandemic and its negative effects on the market since 2020.”
“It is heartening to see that Oman is taking steps to not only restore the investors’ confidence in its economy but to keep the interest of quality workforce in its market intact. The latest decision to lift the 60-year bar for issuing work visa to expats is certainly going to be welcomed by the corporate sector, which will be the main beneficiary of this landmark decision,” he added.
However, some say the decision is not be in favour of young Omanis who are looking for career growth. “I am not against people above sixty working but the decision may hinder the growth of young Omanis. If those above 60 are allowed to work further, there would be limited growth among young Omanis because the positions these experienced expatriates host would still be occupied, hence, less opportunities for the youth,” Salim al Tauqi, a newly employed private sector staff, said.
Another step in that direction was taken in Oman last year when the decision was issued in regards to expatriate retirees who can now get a five-year renewable visa if they are 60years old.
FAQs
Expatriates over 60 years of age can now continue to work in Oman. Muscat – Scrapping the maximum age limit of 60 years for expatriates to stay on the job in the sultanate by the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to facilitate the workflow of employers and make the country attractive for many expatriates.
What is the age limit for working in Oman? ›
Oman Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
The age of work visa applicants should be between 21 to 60 years. The employer of the visa applicant should be an Omani citizen. They should be running a legally registered business or company.
What is the retirement age for expats in Oman? ›
Sunday, March 19, 2023
MUSCAT: With Oman scrapping the maximum age limit of 60 years for expatriates to stay on the job, the country's Minister of Labour said the decision will help businesses in the country. Last year, based on a circular, the Ministry of Labour, cancelled the age cap of 60 years for expat workers.
Can expats work in Oman? ›
Work Permit and Visa
Expats must have a confirmed job offer from an Omani employer before moving to the country. The employer acts as the expat's sponsor and helps obtain the necessary work visa and permits.
Can expats retire in Oman? ›
Expats who retire in Oman typically integrate into the existing residential areas. Some popular areas among expats include Muscat and Salalah, known for their amenities and expatriate-friendly environment. The challenges of retiring in Oman include dealing with the hot climate, especially during the summer months.
What age is adult in Oman? ›
Even though the legal age today is 18 years, customs and traditions mean that, in reality, young Omani girls marry before they reach this age. People trafficking, for sexual exploitation and domestic work occurs both within Oman and passes through its borders. Cases of fake or forced marriage are often recorded there.
What is the age limit for work visa in UAE? ›
Any foreign entity who is above the age of 18 is eligible to work in the UAE, provided that they abide by the rules of MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). No maximum age is defined to work in UAE but organizations hiring employees above the age of 65 are required to pay a higher fee.
What is the new retirement law in Oman? ›
52/2023, Promulgating the Social Protection Law, brings comprehensive changes to Oman's social security system, including reforming existing retirement benefits for Omani workers to improve the system's sustainability, establishing minimum social protection benefits and extending certain benefits (e.g., maternity leave ...
What is the expat law in Oman? ›
Employment of expatriates
Once the expatriate is in Oman, she/he must obtain a residence permit, also from the Royal Oman Police. Expatriates are only permitted to work for the employer that has obtained these clearances and visas.
How much do expats get paid in Oman? ›
Keep in mind that work permits are only valid for two years and renewing them requires additional paperwork and therefore some considerable forward planning. The average salary in Oman is 1,770 OMR (£3779,27) per month; however, salaries vary drastically between different sectors (2023).
Non-residents including individuals could be subject to a withholding tax at rate of 10 percent on gross basis, if specified payments representing income is realized in Oman by them, which is not attributable to the carrying on activities in Oman through a permanent establishment (PE).
Can Americans work in Oman? ›
If you are hoping to take up employment in Oman, you can only do so under the visa sponsorship system. In order to qualify, you must be a foreign national between the age of 21 and 60 and have a confirmed job offer from a company in Oman. Your future employer becomes your visa sponsor.
What is the age limit for work visa in Oman 2024? ›
Oman Work Visa Requirements
The age of the applicant should not be less than 21 years. Two photographs ( 6X4 ) cm. An employment contract.
Can expats marry in Oman? ›
Required Documents
Original identification (ID/residence card/passport of both the marriage/divorce parties. In case of marriage if one of the parties is non-Omani, present the Ministry of Interior's permit of marriage to a foreigner. Applicant must appear in person.
Can expats own property in Oman? ›
Can you purchase and own a property in Oman as a foreigner? Foreign nationals can purchase and own real estate in Oman. They can do this in special places called Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) and some commercial buildings that the Ministry of Housing has approved.
What are the requirements to work in Oman? ›
Oman work visa required documents
- copies of foreign employee passports, with a minimum of 6 months' validity.
- two recent passport photographs.
- a copy of the labour license issued by The Ministry of Manpower for each application form.
General. In Oman, the minimum wage is 325 OMR per month of which 225 OMR must be salary and the remaining 100 OMR must be paid as a bonus.
What is the working salary in Oman? ›
Average Wages
As of recent reports, the average salary in Oman offers a diverse picture, influenced by factors such as the level of education, experience, industry, and job role. The average monthly salary in Oman for a worker varies, but it typically ranges from 450 OMR (Omani Rial) to 2,200 OMR per month.
