Visa Onboarding Resource Library

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for an Employment Visa in Oman?

In order to obtain an Employment Visa in Oman, there are certain requirements that expatriate employees need to fulfill. Here are the key documents and information that are typically required:

  1. Passport Copy: A copy of the employee's valid passport is required. The passport should have a minimum validity period as specified by the immigration regulations of Oman.
  2. Existing Civil ID Copy: Expatriate employees who are already residing in Oman may be required to provide a copy of their existing Civil ID card, which serves as an identification document in the country.
  3. Attested Education Certificate: For certain professions, the employee may need to provide an attested education certificate. The attestation process verifies the authenticity and validity of the education certificate, ensuring that it is recognized by the relevant authorities in Oman.
  4. Bank Account Details: The employee will be required to provide their bank account details, including the bank name, account number, and any other relevant information. This is necessary for salary and financial transactions.
  5. Email Address and Contact Number: The employee should provide their email address and contact number for communication purposes during the visa onboarding process and for future correspondence.
  6. Passport Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph of the employee is typically required. The photograph should meet the specifications and guidelines set by the immigration authorities in Oman.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for an Employment Visa may vary depending on the nature of the job, the employer, and any additional regulations or policies in place. It is advisable for employees to consult with their employer or the relevant immigration authorities in Oman to ensure they have the complete and accurate information regarding the specific requirements for their Employment Visa application.

By providing the necessary documents and information, employees can initiate the visa onboarding process and begin their employment in Oman legally and in compliance with the immigration regulations of the country.

What are the maximum working hours in Oman?

According to Article 68 of the Omani Labor Law, there are specific regulations regarding the maximum working hours for employees in Oman. Here are the general guidelines:

  1. Maximum Daily Working Hours: An employee in Oman may not be required to work for more than nine hours per day. This includes breaks for rest and meals. It is important for employers to ensure that employees have at least a half-hour break for food and rest during the working day.
  2. Maximum Weekly Working Hours: The Omani Labor Law also sets a maximum limit of 45 hours per week for employees. This means that employees should not be required to work more than 45 hours in a single week.
  3. Reduced Working Hours During Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, the maximum working hours for Muslim employees are reduced. As per the Omani Labor Law, Muslim employees are allowed to work for a maximum of six hours per day or 30 hours per week during Ramadan.

It is important for employers to comply with these regulations to ensure the well-being and rights of their employees. The maximum working hours aim to provide a balanced work-life environment and promote the physical and mental well-being of employees.

It is advisable for employees to be aware of their rights regarding working hours and rest breaks, and to communicate with their employer or the relevant authorities if they believe there is a violation of the maximum working hour regulations.

Please note that specific industries or job roles may have different working hour regulations, and it is essential for both employers and employees to review any industry-specific guidelines or collective agreements that may apply.

By adhering to the maximum working hour regulations, employers in Oman can foster a healthy work environment, while employees can enjoy a balanced work-life routine that allows for rest, recreation, and personal commitments.

What is the notice period required when quitting a job in Oman?

According to Article 37 of the Omani Labour Law, both the employer and the employee have the right to terminate the employment contract by providing written notice to the other party. The notice period required for quitting a job in Oman depends on the payment frequency of the employee. Here are the general guidelines:

  1. Monthly Payment: For employees who are paid on a monthly basis, the notice period is 30 days. This means that either the employer or the employee must provide a written notice at least 30 days prior to the intended termination date.
  2. Weekly Payment: For employees who receive their salary on a weekly basis, the notice period is generally 15 days. However, it is important to note that a longer notice period can be agreed upon in the employment contract if desired by both parties.

The purpose of the notice period is to allow sufficient time for both the employer and the employee to prepare for the termination of the employment relationship. During this period, necessary arrangements can be made to ensure a smooth transition and to minimize any disruptions to the work environment.

It is important for employees and employers to review their employment contracts and adhere to the specified notice periods mentioned therein. The notice should be provided in writing and include the intended termination date to ensure clarity and documentation of the process.

In some cases, the employment contract or specific industry regulations may require a longer notice period than the minimum duration prescribed by the law. Therefore, it is advisable for both parties to consult their employment contracts, any applicable collective agreements, and the Omani Labour Law for the exact notice period requirements in their specific situation.

By complying with the notice period regulations, employees and employers in Oman can ensure a fair and orderly termination of the employment contract, allowing for a smooth transition and maintaining positive professional relationships.

Are official holidays and bank holidays excluded from leaves in Oman?

Yes, official holidays and bank holidays are typically excluded from an employee's annual leave entitlement unless the employee chooses to combine them consecutively with their annual leave.

In Oman, employees are entitled to a certain number of annual leave days as per the labor regulations and their employment contract. These annual leave days are separate from official holidays and bank holidays observed in the country.

However, employees have the option to combine their annual leave with official holidays and bank holidays, taking them consecutively to enjoy an extended break. By doing so, they can utilize their annual leave days more effectively and make the most of the holiday period.

It is important to note that the specific policies and guidelines regarding the combination of annual leave with official holidays and bank holidays may vary depending on the employer and the employment contract. Employees should refer to their employment contract and consult with their employer or the HR department for clear guidance on how to plan their leave in relation to official holidays and bank holidays.

By following the established policies and communicating with the employer, employees can ensure that their leaves are scheduled in a manner that aligns with official holidays and bank holidays, allowing them to enjoy a longer break and maintain work-life balance.

Please note that it is always advisable to review the labor laws, employment contracts, and any applicable company policies to obtain accurate information about annual leave entitlements and the inclusion of official holidays and bank holidays.

What is the procedure for educational certificate attestation in Oman?

Educational certificate attestation is an essential part of the legalization process for Oman. It serves as legal evidence of an individual's educational qualification. The attestation process typically involves the following steps:

  1. HRD/GAD Attestation: The first step is to get the educational certificate attested by the Higher Education Department (HRD) or the General Administration for Documents (GAD) in the country where the certificate was issued. This attestation verifies the authenticity and legitimacy of the educational certificate.
  2. Ministry of External Affairs Attestation: After obtaining HRD/GAD attestation, the next step is to get the certificate attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the country where the certificate was issued. This attestation is necessary to validate the document at the national level.
  3. Final Attestation from the Oman Embassy: The final step in the educational certificate attestation process is to have the certificate attested by the Embassy or Consulate of Oman in the country where the certificate was issued. This attestation certifies the legitimacy of the educational certificate and ensures its acceptance in Oman.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for educational certificate attestation may vary depending on the country where the certificate was issued. It is advisable for individuals to consult the Oman Embassy or Consulate in their home country for detailed information about the attestation process and any additional documents or steps that may be required.

By completing the educational certificate attestation process, individuals can ensure the recognition and acceptance of their educational qualifications in Oman. This is particularly important for employment, educational pursuits, or any other official purposes where proof of educational qualifications is required.

It is recommended to start the attestation process well in advance to allow for sufficient time for completion and to ensure a smooth transition when presenting the attested educational certificates in Oman.

Please note that the attestation process may be subject to change, and it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult a professional service provider for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding educational certificate attestation in Oman.

Can my employment contract in Oman be permanent instead of the standard 24 months?

In Oman, the employment contract duration is typically aligned with the issuance and expiry date of the visa, which is generally set at 24 months (2 years). As per the prevailing system, there is no provision for a permanent employment contract in the e-contract system.

However, it is important to note that employment contracts can be renewed every two years without any limit on the number of renewals. This means that employees have the opportunity to continue their employment in Oman by renewing their contract at the end of each two-year period.

Renewal of the employment contract allows for the continuation of the employment relationship, provided that both the employer and the employee agree to the terms and conditions of the renewed contract. During the renewal process, any necessary adjustments or amendments to the contract can be made to reflect changes in job responsibilities, salary, or other relevant factors.

It is advisable for employees to review their employment contract carefully and consult with their employer regarding the terms and conditions, including the duration of the contract and the renewal process. This ensures clarity and mutual understanding between both parties throughout the employment period.

By adhering to the contract renewal process every two years, employees can continue their employment in Oman in compliance with the relevant regulations and maintain a stable and secure work arrangement.

Please note that employment regulations and practices may be subject to change, and it is advisable to consult with the employer or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information and guidelines related to employment contracts in Oman.

What is the standard probation period for employees in Oman?

In Oman, the standard probation period may vary depending on the payment frequency of the employees. Here are the typical probation periods based on different payment frequencies:

  1. Monthly Payment: For employees who are paid on a monthly basis, the standard probation period is generally not more than three months. During this period, the employer evaluates the employee's performance, suitability, and ability to fulfill their job responsibilities.
  2. Hourly, Weekly, or Daily Payment: For employees who receive their wages on an hourly, weekly, or daily basis, the standard probation period is typically not more than one month. This allows the employer to assess the employee's performance and suitability within a shorter timeframe.

During the probation period, both the employer and the employee have the opportunity to assess the working relationship and determine if it meets their expectations. If any issues arise during the probation period, either party may choose to terminate the employment contract based on the agreed-upon terms and conditions.

It is important for employees and employers to clearly define the terms of the probation period in the employment contract, including the duration and any specific evaluation processes or performance indicators that will be considered.

By adhering to the standard probation period, both employees and employers can make informed decisions about the continuation of the employment relationship. This period allows for an initial assessment and adjustment, ensuring a mutually beneficial and productive working environment.

It is advisable for employees to review their employment contracts and consult with their employer to ensure a clear understanding of the terms and conditions related to the probation period.

Please note that specific industries or job roles may have different probation period regulations, and it is essential to review any industry-specific guidelines or collective agreements that may apply to the particular employment situation.

Question: Can I change my employer in Oman and obtain a Tanazul paper or Nakal Kafala (transfer)?

In Oman, employees have the ability to change their employer without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their existing employer under certain conditions. However, it is important to note the following considerations:

  1. Completion of Contract: Employees can change their job and seek a transfer without requiring an NOC from their current employer if they have successfully completed the term of their employment contract. This means fulfilling the agreed-upon duration of the contract with the current employer.
  2. Visa Availability and Omanization Status: It is crucial to consider that certain visa types may no longer be available for expatriates, and specific job positions might be restricted to Omani nationals only. Therefore, the new employer needs to obtain confirmation from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regarding the visa type and the new employer's Omanization status. This verification ensures compliance with the current regulations and guidelines.

By fulfilling these conditions, employees can initiate the process of changing their employer and obtaining the necessary documentation, such as the Tanazul paper or Nakal Kafala. These documents facilitate the legal transfer of sponsorship from the previous employer to the new employer.

It is recommended for employees to consult with the Ministry of Manpower or the relevant authorities to understand the specific requirements, procedures, and documents needed for the transfer of sponsorship and employment.

It is important to note that employment regulations and practices may be subject to change, and it is advisable to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Manpower or other relevant authorities in Oman.

By adhering to the applicable regulations and processes, employees can navigate the job transfer process in Oman and ensure compliance with the legal requirements for changing employers.

What is the leave entitlement for employees in Oman?

In Oman, employees are entitled to annual leave based on the duration of their service. Here is an overview of the leave entitlement:

  1. Completion of One Year: Once an employee completes one year of service, they are entitled to 15 days of annual leave with their basic salary.
  2. Subsequent Years: For each year of service after the first year, the annual leave entitlement increases to 30 days. This means that employees receive 30 days of annual leave for every subsequent year of service.

Payment for Untaken Leave:

  • Employers are required to pay employees for any annual leave that remains untaken, provided the employee agrees to the payment instead of taking the leave. This ensures that employees receive compensation for any unused leave days.
  • It is important to note that it is mandatory for every employee to take at least two consecutive weeks of leave once every two years. This requirement aims to promote employee well-being and work-life balance.

Payment for Remaining Leave upon Leaving the Company:

  • When an employee leaves the company, they are entitled to receive their basic salary for any remaining leave days that they have not utilized during their employment period.

It is crucial for employers to ensure compliance with these leave entitlement regulations to uphold the rights of their employees. Likewise, employees should be aware of their rights and communicate with their employer regarding their leave entitlement and the process for utilizing and compensating for leave days.

It is recommended for both employees and employers to refer to the labor laws, employment contracts, and any company policies or agreements in place to ensure a clear understanding of the specific leave entitlements and procedures applicable to their employment situation.

By adhering to the leave entitlement regulations, employers and employees in Oman can foster a healthy work-life balance and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

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