Employment in Oman for Ukrainians

Foreigners who want to live and work in Oman must obtain a work visa.

However, first of all, you need an employer (sponsor) who is ready to hire you and start the necessary procedure for obtaining a labor license.

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The first step is for the employer to obtain a labor license (work permit) from the Omani Ministry of Manpower to be able to hire a foreign employee. The employer submits a procurement application form to be submitted to a specialized department at the Ministry of Manpower.

A successful application must meet several requirements:

• The company complies with the omanization rules*, according to which the maximum quota for foreign employees in this sector has not been reached.

*Omanization - essentially the expansion of the local labor force - means strict quotas for expatriates in various sectors of the economy, and the authorities must be convinced that certain positions cannot be properly filled by an Omani citizen;

• The total number of foreign nationals invited corresponds to the company's activities.
• The requested foreign personnel have the appropriate certificates.
• The Ministry of Labor will require documentation for the issuance of the permit. After obtaining the Labor Clearance status, the employer has the legal right to hire these foreign workers.

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Necessary documentation to be submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Labor:

• An omanization plan that describes all the positions that will be applied for by Omani citizens at a certain time;
• A list of desired foreigners with positions and gender;
• Copies of all passports of foreign employees;
• Certified copies of the relevant qualification certificates of employees;
• Certified transcripts from educational institutions;
• Certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the employee's home country;
• Certification of the Omani embassy in the employee's country of residence.

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Receiving a job offer to an employee

After obtaining permission to hire foreign workers, the employer in Oman sends an invitation letter to an employee who meets the conditions and quotas for employment.

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Work visa application

An employer must obtain an individual work visa for each expatriate he or she will sponsor. The work visa is valid for two years from the date of entry. The employer must apply for the visa at the Immigration Department of the Royal Omani Police.

In order to obtain a work visa, an employee must meet certain requirements, including:

• The employee must be between 21 and 60 years old;
• The profession and position must be identical to those specified in the work permit.

What documents does an employer need to submit to obtain a work visa for an employee?

1. A copy of the employee's passport with a validity period of at least six months;
2. A copy of the labor license issued by the Ministry of Labor;
3. An invitation letter or job offer from a registered company in the Sultanate of Oman;
4. Two passport photos;
5. Any relevant evidence of qualifications or education.

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Obtaining a residence permit

After obtaining a work visa for an employee, the expatriate must obtain a residence permit to legally reside in Oman for the entire period of work.

Upon arrival, the employee must go to the Civil Status Department of the Royal Omani Police to obtain a residence permit within 30 days of entry. At the medical center, the employee takes a blood test and is sent for fingerprinting. After collecting the data, the Directorate General of Civil Status will issue the employee a residency card that is valid for two years.

Documents required to obtain a residence permit:

• Two passport photos;
• Original and copy of the passport;

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Obtaining a Certificate of No Objection

In any circumstances that require an employee to change jobs, terminate their employment contract early, or expire, they will be required to leave the country for at least two years unless they obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is a document stating that neither the sponsoring employer nor the Omani government has any problems with the foreigner working in the country.

The authorization process is lengthy, and NOCs are not often issued. If the certificate is authorized, it can be collected at the point of entry along with the visa.

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The employee can start working

After obtaining a work visa and residence permit, the employee can start working in Oman.