Situated at the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman holds the distinction of being the longest-standing sovereign state in the Arab region. Its political system is characterized by an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan of Oman serving as both the head of state and head of government.
Despite being classified as a high-income nation, a significant portion (84 percent) of Oman’s revenue is derived from its depleting oil reservoirs. The nation has been adversely affected by the worldwide decline in oil prices, prompting efforts to broaden its economic base by focusing on sectors such as tourism and gas-related industries.If you are applying for work in Oman, you will need a residency permit and an Oman work visa. Oman work visas are issued to international workers aged 21 to 60 with a job offer from an Omani company. You can also enter Oman using a tourist visa and then convert it to a work visa.
General working conditions in Oman
Muscat, Oman’s capital, serves as a magnet for the highest concentration of foreign labor in the nation. Alongside the capital, Salalah, Oman’s largest city, draws a significant workforce, thanks to its free zone and bustling shipping port. Islam is the official religion, with Arabic and English as the predominant languages.
The standard workweek in Oman spans from 40 to 48 hours, operating from Sunday to Thursday subject to company policies, with Fridays and Saturdays designated as the weekend. This arrangement is rooted in the observance of Friday as an Islamic holy day, marked by congregational Friday prayers. Regular office hours typically run from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., with consistent timekeeping practices maintained year-round, irrespective of seasonal changes. In the month of Ramadan, there might be occasions when the workday is shortened to six hours; however, some companies restrict this adjustment to their Muslim employees only, while foreign staff are expected to maintain their regular working hours.
Oman Work Visa
As mentioned earlier, to secure an Oman work visa you will need your recruiter to provide you with a job offer. The employer needs to be Omani-based and possess the legal authority to employ foreign workers. Once these criteria are fulfilled, the following steps are involved in obtaining the visa:
- The employer acquires a labor license from the Ministry of Manpower.
- The employer submits the expatriate application to the immigration department of the Royal Oman Police.
- Upon the employer receiving the work visa, the employee must secure a residence card for a lawful stay in Oman.
- Employees can obtain a residence card from the Royal Oman Police’s Civil Status Department within 30 days of entry.
Should an employee seek to change jobs, terminate their employment contract prematurely, or allow it to expire, they are required to leave the country for at least two years unless they obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This certificate affirms that both the sponsoring employer and the Omani government have no objections to the employee’s continued employment in the country. The approval process for the NOC is thorough, and the certificate is not commonly issued. Upon approval, the NOC can be obtained at the port of entry along with the visa.
The required documents for obtaining an Oman work visa
You will need to complete the application form provided on the Royal Oman Police website, which must be signed by the employer or an authorized representative. The application, written in Arabic for Arab nationals and in English for non-Arabs, should include the following documents:
- Two photographs (6X4 cm).
- A copy of the foreigner’s passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months.
- The labor permit from the Ministry of Manpower and a copy for each individual application.
- The original and a copy of the medical certificate for nationals from specific countries (India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, and Nepal). The Ministry of Health must verify the certificate.
- A copy of the approval from the relevant organization for specific occupations such as teaching, religious, media, and medical professions.
- A letter from the Ministry of Manpower for certain occupations, like engineering.
- If the foreigner has not completed two years since their last departure from Oman, a release letter from the previous employer is required, approved by the Directorate General of Passports and Residence.
It is also worth mentioning that the price of obtaining an Oman work visa is 20 OMR.
The unemployment rate in Oman
A crucial factor to assess before deciding to immigrate to a new country is its unemployment rate. This metric indicates the extent of job opportunities available for both natives and newcomers. Fortunately, Oman has experienced a consistent decline in its unemployment rate in recent years, currently standing at below 4%. This low rate signals a favorable job market, making it feasible for foreigners to secure employment opportunities in Oman. The unemployment rate is updated monthly.
Oman’s population reached 4.664 million people in 2023.
Salaries in Oman
In Oman, salary ranges from a baseline of 450 OMR to an average maximum of 7,900 OMR, although the reported figure exceeds the actual highest salary. The 450 OMR starting salary is not legally designated as the minimum wage; rather, it signifies the lowest reported value in an extensive salary survey involving participants from diverse professions nationwide. This overall salary includes provisions for housing, transportation, and additional benefits. Regarding careers, salaries in Oman demonstrate considerable diversity. The median salary is fixed at 1,510 OMR, indicating that 50% of Oman’s population earns less, while the remaining half earns more. The median serves as the central point in the salary distribution.
The Role of Experience in Salary Increase
Experience plays a crucial role in salary determination, with higher levels of experience correlating with increased remuneration. In Oman, individuals with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers across various industries. Those with over five years of experience earn an average of 36% more than their less-experienced counterparts. After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an extra 14% for those with 15+ years of experience.
The Role of Higher Education in Salary Increase
The link between higher education and a higher salary is widely acknowledged. On average, individuals holding a certificate or diploma earn 17% more than those with only a high school completion. Those with a Bachelor’s Degree outpace this, earning 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma. Professionals with a Master’s Degree earn 29% more than those with a Bachelor’s Degree, and those holding a PhD earn an average of 23% more than Master’s Degree holders in similar job roles.
Best-paid Jobs in Oman
The best-paid jobs in Oman include Chief Executive Officer, IT Director, Leasing Director, Pilot Transport, Haulage, Logistics, Marketing Director, Managing Director, Country Manager/Director, IT Architect, Economic/Financial Manager, and Lead developer with the average salary of 2500 OMR per month.
Worst-paid jobs in Oman
The worst-paid jobs in Oman include Nursery School Teacher Assistant, Social counselor, Tailor, Porter, Information Staff, Seamstress, Postal worker, Cleaner, General Laborer, Assistant Teacher, and Florist with an average salary of 550 OMR per month.
How to Find and Apply for Jobs in Oman
There are two ways to find jobs in Oman. First, you can enter Oman with a tourist visa and search for jobs by visiting various companies and different places. If you find a job, you have to get a work and resident permit. Second, you can search online job agencies to find the desired job. Here are some of the top online job agencies in Oman:
- Jobazma
- Bayt.com
- Tanqeeb Oman
- Indeed
- Naukrigulf
- GulfTalent
- Wisdom Jobs Gulf
- Google for Jobs
- foundit
Please be aware that some of these websites charge for their services.