Employers operating in Oman and looking to hire foreign workers must adhere to a set of legal procedures to obtain a work visa. Following these steps not only accelerates the hiring process but also ensures that the business activities remain fully compliant with Omani regulations.
Steps to Obtain a Work Visa:
- Selecting and Renting a Relevant Business Location: Employers must rent a location that is directly related to their business activity. For instance, an office space must be used for administrative purposes and cannot be converted into a café. After renting the space, it is mandatory to obtain a municipal lease agreement.
- Obtaining the Municipality License (Tarikh Beladiya): After securing the rental agreement, the employer must obtain the relevant activity license from the municipality, commonly known as the “Tarikh Beladiya.”
- Furnishing the Workplace: The workplace should be adequately furnished, and one essential requirement is to display the portrait of the Sultan of Oman in a prominent place within the premises.
- Applying for the Work Visa: Once the workplace is properly set up, the employer can apply for the work visa for the new employee. It is important to note that issuing work visas for female employees can be challenging and is often restricted. Therefore, it is advisable to hire male employees initially, unless the business owner herself is a woman.
- Labor Ministry Inspection: After submitting the visa application, Oman’s Ministry of Labor may conduct an on-site inspection of the workplace to ensure compliance with the required standards. Once the inspection is approved, the work visa will be issued.
- Medical Test and Employee Entry: After the work visa is granted, the foreign employee will enter Oman and must undergo a medical examination to officially commence their employment.
- Employment Contract: A formal employment contract must be signed between the employer and the employee. Employers are encouraged to seek professional consultation for drafting this contract.
These steps outline the comprehensive legal process for hiring foreign workers in Oman, ensuring that employers comply with national regulations and establish a smooth and lawful hiring procedure.
We will guide you through every step of the process, making it easy for you to obtain a work visa and hire your new employee.