[Oman] Tiered fee system and penalties for expat permits introduced

In the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Labour has officially implemented a tiered fee structure for expat work permits, Times of Oman reports.

Under the new regulations, companies achieving their Omanisation targets are eligible for significant financial incentives. Those failing to meet these benchmarks will see their standard work permit fees double.

The tiered incentive system reportedly comprises:

• Green Category (Compliant Firms): Companies that meet or exceed their mandated Omanisation rates will receive a 30 per cent discount on expatriate work permit and practice licence fees.

• Non-Compliant Firms: Businesses that fall short of national employment targets will see their work permit fees doubled, a measure intended to make the hiring of local talent more economically attractive.

The new framework also extends the validity of work practice licences for non-Omani workers from 15 to 24 months, aligning them with standard residency permits.

The Ministry now allows employers to upgrade a worker’s professional category on an existing licence by paying the fee difference, rather than applying for a completely new permit. The move is intended to reduce the admin burden.

Source: Times of Oman

In the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Labour has officially implemented a tiered fee structure for expat work permits, Times of Oman reports.

Under the new regulations, companies achieving their Omanisation targets are eligible for significant financial incentives. Those failing to meet these benchmarks will see their standard work permit fees double.

The tiered incentive system reportedly comprises:

• Green Category (Compliant Firms): Companies that meet or exceed their mandated Omanisation rates will receive a 30 per cent discount on expatriate work permit and practice licence fees.

• Non-Compliant Firms: Businesses that fall short of national employment targets will see their work permit fees doubled, a measure intended to make the hiring of local talent more economically attractive.

The new framework also extends the validity of work practice licences for non-Omani workers from 15 to 24 months, aligning them with standard residency permits.

The Ministry now allows employers to upgrade a worker’s professional category on an existing licence by paying the fee difference, rather than applying for a completely new permit. The move is intended to reduce the admin burden.

Source: Times of Oman