The Omanet blog
Clear answers on working, living and doing business in Oman, written from official sources and dated.
Living in OmanFlying a Drone in Oman: Green Zones, Serb and the 2026 Permit PauseOman designated 155 tourist sites as drone green zones in 2025, then paused all drone permits in March 2026 and resumed them in May. What applies now and what to check before you fly.
Work & labourRenewing an Engineer's Work Permit in Oman: Steps and TimingThe order of steps for an engineer who must renew a work permit in Oman: apply for accreditation first, allow one to two months, and avoid invalid certificates.Work & labourAccounting and Auditing Jobs in Oman: Which Roles Need a CertificateSince 1 September 2025, a professional classification certificate is required to get or renew a work permit in 19 accounting, finance and audit job titles. Here is the list.
Visas & residencyOman Overstay Fine Waivers: The Grace Period Has EndedIn 2025 Oman waived fines for expats who fixed or ended an expired status. The final deadline was 31 December 2025. This is what the waiver covered and what to do now.Work & labourUnregistered Work Contract in Oman: When You Can Change EmployerIf your work permit is renewed but no contract is registered with the Ministry of Labour, you can move to a new employer 30 days after the renewal. What the rule says, what a contract must contain, and what is still unclear.Work & labourTwo Hours Less Work, Full Pay: Disability and Caregiver Rights in OmanUnder Oman's 2025 disability law, employees with a moderate or severe disability, and those who care for a child, spouse or parent with one, work two hours less a day on full pay. Who qualifies and what to show your employer.Work & labourLogistics and Food Delivery Jobs in Oman: The Professional Practice LicenceSix logistics and food delivery jobs in Oman need a professional practice licence for a work permit to be issued or renewed. The roles, how to apply and what is unclear.Living in OmanOman Car Window Tint Rules: Up to 50% Allowed Except the WindscreenIn July 2026 the Royal Oman Police said vehicle owners may tint all windows except the front windscreen, up to 50 percent. What is allowed, what the reports leave unclear, and what to ask a fitter.Work & labourOman's Savings System for Expats: What Changes in July 2027From 19 July 2027, a monthly 9% employer contribution is due to replace end-of-service gratuity for non-Omani workers. What it means, and what happens to the gratuity you have already earned.Visas & residencyUnified GCC Tourist Visa: Has It Launched Yet? (Status in November 2026)The single Gulf tourist visa, also called the GCC Grand Tours Visa, has been approved since 2023 but has not launched. Here is the latest official word and what to do until it does.
Money & bankingOman Loan Limits: Up to 50% of Salary for Personal Loans, 60% for HousingThe Central Bank of Oman restated its ceilings on salary deductions for loan repayments: 50 percent for personal loans and 60 percent for housing loans. What the limits mean and what to check.Work & labourOman's 2025 Work Permit Reform: 24-Month Permits, Fine Cap and Omanisation Fee CutWhat Ministerial Decision 602/2025 changed for employers: 24-month permits, a RO 500 cap on late fines, a 30 percent fee cut for firms meeting Omanisation targets, and double fees for those that do not.