Legal action likely, visa renewal impossible: New work permit rules leave expatriates in distress

MUSCAT: Oman's revised visa rules have come as a setback for expatriates who are over the age of 60. The issuance of new work permit visas and the renewal of existing permits for people over 60 have been stopped. The new change will also affect those who continue to work in Oman under the previous law after reaching the age of 60.

Complaints were raised when many people falling under this age category approached the Ministry of Labour to renew their visas, but to no avail. Oman removed the age limit of 60 years for expatriate work permits in 2022. More details of the order issued by the Ministry of Labour in this regard have not been released. Uncertainty and concern are increasing as expatriates who continue to stay in Oman without a work permit will face legal action.

The UAE has also recently made changes to its visa rules. Visa-on-arrival has been expanded, property visa rules have been revised, and significant changes to entry and residence permits have also come into effect in the UAE.