Oman: In-Country Conversion of Visitor to Employment Visa No Longer Possible

Foreign nationals in Oman on a visitor visa can no longer change their immigration status in-country. This rule change applies to all types of visitor visa, including tourism, dependent and express visitor visas. Foreign nationals in Oman on a visitor visa who want to obtain an employment visa must now exit Oman, apply for and receive the relevant visa, and then re-enter. Previously, affected individuals could convert their visitor visa into an employment visa without leaving Oman. This change in policy – a decision of the Royal Oman Police – will delay work start dates and incur additional costs for foreign nationals as they must travel to obtain the employment visa.