Work Visa, Residency & Employer Transfer in Oman (2026)
By HAQQ Research · · 7 min read · mena
Oman's labour clearance and ROP visa: the abolished NOC / 2-year ban (since 2021), conditions to transfer, family-sponsorship income (OMR 150), and the passport ban.
In Oman, the employer obtains a Ministry of Labour clearance and a ROP employment visa, then the worker gets a resident card (usually up to 2 years). The old No-Objection-Certificate and the 2-year re-entry ban were abolished by ROP Decision 157/2020 (effective January 2021), so an expat can change employer without an NOC in defined cases. Withholding a passport is illegal; the dependent-sponsorship salary threshold was cut to OMR 150 in February 2023.
FAQ
Is there still a 2-year ban in Oman for changing employer?
No. The No-Objection-Certificate requirement and the 2-year re-entry ban were abolished by ROP Decision 157/2020 (effective January 2021), with defined conditions allowing transfer without an NOC.
What income is required to sponsor family in Oman?
OMR 150 per month since February 2023 (reduced from OMR 350); there is no salary threshold for an expat who is not sponsoring dependents.
Can my employer keep my passport in Oman?
No. Under the 2023 Labour Law (RD 53/2023), the employer may not keep the worker's passport or documents except with written consent; confiscation can be reported to the ROP.
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