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Expats in Oman can now sponsor their families
| Published: | 25 Jun at 6 PM |
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Tagged: Visas, South Africa
Foreigners working in Omani government agencies can now sponsor expat work visa applicants.
According to a media report, expatriates working for Omani government agencies are to be allowed to become sponsors of expat applicants for work visas in the Sultanate. In addition, foreigners who own certain properties will be granted visas without the necessity of a sponsor. The decree itself states licensed foreign investors and expatriate employees of government agencies can now be visa sponsors, according to a spokesperson for the Royal Omani Police.
The changes would appear to have been brought in to attract increasing numbers of investors to the Sultanate, especially as buildings in tourist areas are to be prioritised as investments able to be funded by locals and expats alike. However, buildings outside tourism complexes will not qualify as suitable investments as they may be competition for other rental buildings in the area. One expat employed at a government agency believes the move will benefit tourism as well as investment and will encourage expats to bring their families without having to worry about sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower is threatening to revoke expat work permits in firms which haven’t met Omanization targets. Apparently, 161 local companies have been penalised for not having even one Omani on the staff. More random inspections will take place, aimed at enforcing rules on the employment of Omani nationals. One Omani partner at a global financial advisory firm believes companies should actively comply with Omanization, emphasising quality of employees rather than just quantity.
According to a media report, expatriates working for Omani government agencies are to be allowed to become sponsors of expat applicants for work visas in the Sultanate. In addition, foreigners who own certain properties will be granted visas without the necessity of a sponsor. The decree itself states licensed foreign investors and expatriate employees of government agencies can now be visa sponsors, according to a spokesperson for the Royal Omani Police.
The changes would appear to have been brought in to attract increasing numbers of investors to the Sultanate, especially as buildings in tourist areas are to be prioritised as investments able to be funded by locals and expats alike. However, buildings outside tourism complexes will not qualify as suitable investments as they may be competition for other rental buildings in the area. One expat employed at a government agency believes the move will benefit tourism as well as investment and will encourage expats to bring their families without having to worry about sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower is threatening to revoke expat work permits in firms which haven’t met Omanization targets. Apparently, 161 local companies have been penalised for not having even one Omani on the staff. More random inspections will take place, aimed at enforcing rules on the employment of Omani nationals. One Omani partner at a global financial advisory firm believes companies should actively comply with Omanization, emphasising quality of employees rather than just quantity.
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