The Omanet blog
Clear answers on working, living and doing business in Oman, written from official sources and dated.
Work & labourSick Leave and Special Leave in Oman: What the Labour Law Gives YouUp to 182 days of sick leave a year on a sliding scale of pay, plus paid leave for marriage, bereavement, Hajj, paternity and maternity. The figures in Articles 82 to 84 of Oman's Labour Law.
Living in OmanCarrying Cash or Gold into or out of Oman: When You Must DeclareOman Customs says you must declare cash, bearer instruments and gold worth RO 6,000 or more when entering or leaving. What counts, how to declare and the penalties for not doing so.Living in OmanEmergency Omani Passport Renewal at Muscat Airport: Who QualifiesSince November 2025 the Royal Oman Police has handled urgent Omani passport renewals at Muscat International Airport. It is for real emergencies only, and expat passports are not covered.Living in OmanOman Public Holidays 2026: Dates and How Eid Is DecidedThe official 2026 public holiday dates in Oman, including National Day on 25 and 26 November, and why Eid dates are announced separately.Work & labourDomestic Workers in Oman: Hours, Leave, Pay and Employer DutiesWhat an employer in Oman must provide day to day under Ministerial Decision 574/2025: housing, health insurance, hours, leave, wages, documents and end-of-service pay.Work & labourEngineers in Oman Need Professional Accreditation for Work PermitsSince 1 August 2025, engineers in Oman need an accreditation certificate to get or renew a work permit. Who is covered, who issues it, and how it differs from other sectors.
Visas & residencyOman's Cultural Visa: Who Can Apply, Cost and ValiditySince November 2025 Oman has a cultural visa for artists, researchers and others invited by a cultural host. It costs OMR 50 a year and needs a sponsoring institution.Work & labourEnd-of-Service Gratuity in Oman: How It Is CalculatedHow gratuity works for expatriate employees in Oman today, the split at 31 July 2023, a worked example, and what changes when the savings system starts on 19 July 2027.
Money & bankingNon-Cancellable Direct Debit in Oman: What It Is and Where to ComplainOman lets lenders take loan repayments through an irrevocable direct debit, and the Royal Oman Police said it takes complaints about it at police stations. How the tool works and what to do if there is a problem.Money & bankingMaal, Oman's National Payment Card: What It Is and How to Get ItMaal is a debit card brand made in Oman that works only inside the country. Four banks started issuing it in November 2025. Here is who can get one and what it can and cannot do.Visas & residencyOman Resident Cards Can Now Be Valid for Up to 10 YearsDecision 157/2025 lifts the maximum validity of an expat resident card from three years to ten. Here is what the decision says, what it costs, and what is still unclear.Living in OmanOman's Mobile Digital ID Is Legally Valid: What You Can Use It ForThe Royal Oman Police confirmed in September 2025 that the digital ID on your phone has legal standing and can be shown to authorities if you do not have the physical card.