Exit Permit Abolition
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?
Oman abolished the exit permit system as part of its 2021 labour reforms:
- No exit permit needed: Foreign workers are no longer required to obtain their employer's permission to leave Oman.
- Freedom to travel: You can leave Oman on your own passport without employer approval, provided you are not subject to a court travel ban.
- Employer notification: While you no longer need permission, it is good practice to inform your employer if you plan to travel during your employment.
- Passport control: Your employer cannot withhold your passport to prevent you from leaving — this is a criminal offence.
- Exceptions: The only restriction on exit is a court-ordered travel ban, which applies in cases of pending legal disputes or unpaid debts.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign worker in Oman and want to travel or leave the country.
- Your employer is trying to prevent you from leaving Oman.
- Your employer has confiscated your passport to control your travel.
What should you do?
- Keep your passport in your possession at all times.
- If your passport is held by your employer, demand its return in writing and report to the Ministry of Labour or ROP if refused.
- Check with the ROP whether a travel ban has been placed on you before travelling.
- If you cannot leave due to employer obstruction, contact your embassy for assistance.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume you need employer permission to leave — the exit permit system has been abolished.
- Do not travel if you have a court-ordered travel ban — resolve the legal issue first.
- Do not leave Oman permanently without settling final entitlements — it is harder to claim them from abroad.
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