A good expat package in Oman remains a golden opportunity to experience a different culture, a relaxed lifestyle and eternal sunshine. But if you’re thinking about working here, be aware that it’s unusual for people to arrive in Oman on a visit visa to look for work – most people already have jobs lined up before they arrive. 

Expat workers come to Oman for a number of reasons – to advance their careers, for higher standards of living, to take advantage of new career opportunities, or just for the experience of living in a new culture. Some people are seconded to Oman by companies based in their home countries, and some actively seek out opportunities for a new job that includes a place in the sun. Few arrive on the spot hoping to find a job when they arrive.

Although expat positions are still available, the main setback to finding a good posting is the highly successful Omanisation programme. Some organisations have achieved over 90% Omanisation, so less than 10% of their workforce is comprised of foreigners. But while Omanisation has closed off certain sectors of industry to expat jobseekers, you should still be able to find a job in sectors like oil, medicine and education.

If you’re considering coming to Oman to look for work, do your research before you arrive. Sign up with online job sites as far in advance as possible and visit the websites of some of Oman’s larger organisations to see if they have any vacancies. 

It’s also a good idea to pick up a copy of the Apex Business Directory of Oman (businessdirectoryoman.com), which contains information, addresses and phone numbers of most companies operating here. There may also be agencies in your home country that specialise in overseas employment, or you could try your luck in the neighbouring UAE, where some international recruitment firms have set up their Middle Eastern offices. Oman-based recruitment agencies for expat positions are virtually non-existent.

Sponsorship

As in most parts of the GCC, for foreigners to live and work in Oman, they must usually be sponsored by an employer or family member. To obtain a residency visa as an employee, you need a local sponsor and a labour permit from the Ministry of Manpower. Your sponsor will typically take care of all practical arrangements related to the application process. However, you may need to get a health certificate from your home country, stating that you are free from illness and not carrying any communicable diseases. The requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change at short notice, so it’s always best to check with your embassy. 

Once your employer sponsors you, you can then arrange sponsorship for your family members. Two family sponsorship options are available: a family joining visa or a family residence visa. Children under the age of 21 can be sponsored. Expats may also be eligible to apply for a Contractor Visa or an Investor Resident Visa – refer to the website of the Royal Oman Police (rop.gov.om) to get the latest information on visitor visas, residence permits and employment, investor or student visas.

Working Hours & Benefits

If you’re new to the GCC, you’ll quickly become aware of the split-shift phenomenon. Traditionally, companies start work a little early, break for a long lunch (usually three hours), and return to work for a late-afternoon session. Split-shift timings are usually 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. 

Not all companies follow these hours however, and many work a ‘straight shift’ with a short lunch break. Indeed, most private sector companies now work straight shifts from 07:00 to 16:00, as do several government organisations, which tend to operate from 07:00 to 14:00. 

The official weekend days are Thursday and Friday, but many sectors are now moving to a Friday-Saturday weekend in line with neighbouring countries like the UAE. Public holidays are declared by the government. Most are religious holidays and therefore are governed by the Hijri (lunar) calendar. Holiday can’t be declared until the new moon has been seen by the Moon Sighting Committee so you won’t know the exact day or duration of the holiday until the moon is sighted the night before. 

During Ramadan, all Muslims and people working in government organisations have reduced working hours. Some private sector companies also reduce the hours, at times also for non-Muslim employees. 

Omani labour law grants new mothers their basic salary for six weeks following birth. Paternity leave is not a recognised right, but this is at the discretion of your employer.

Business Culture & Etiquette

Although it is an up-and-coming modern city, Muscat is still an Arab city in a Muslim country, and this affects every aspect of daily life, including how business is done. Even if your counterpart in another company is an expat, the head decision maker is often an Omani who could possibly have a different approach to business matters. Your best bet when doing business in Muscat for the first time is to watch closely, have loads of patience, and make a concerted effort to understand the culture and respect the customs. Don’t underestimate your business contacts or assume that you have a better way of doing things than them – Omanis can smell an arrogant expat a mile away and you’ll soon find many business opportunities passing you by.