Employment Visa and Labour Card
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State.
Omani National Law
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Oman need both a visa and a labour card to work legally:
- Employment visa: Your employer must apply for your employment visa through the Royal Oman Police (ROP). You cannot enter Oman to work on a tourist visa.
- Labour card: After arrival, your employer must obtain a labour card from the Ministry of Labour within the specified period. This card proves your legal right to work.
- Employer sponsorship: Your visa is tied to your sponsoring employer. You cannot work for another employer without a transfer (see portability rules).
- Validity: Employment visas are typically valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
- Employer obligations: The employer must pay for visa costs, medical tests, and labour card fees — not the worker.
When does it apply?
- You have a job offer from an Omani employer and need to enter the country to work.
- Your employment visa or labour card is about to expire and needs renewal.
- Your employer has not obtained your labour card — you may be working illegally.
What should you do?
- Verify your visa status through the ROP online portal before travelling.
- Ensure your employer processes your labour card promptly after arrival.
- Keep copies of your passport, visa, and labour card separately from your employer.
- If your employer withholds your passport, report it to the Ministry of Labour — passport confiscation is illegal.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work without a valid labour card — you can be fined, detained, and deported.
- Do not pay for your own visa or labour card — these costs are the employer's responsibility.
- Do not hand over your original passport — employers are prohibited from confiscating passports.
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