Online move to speed up work visas for expatriates in Oman

Expat workers in Oman will soon be able to obtain or renew work visas online, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM).

A new system will be in place within two years, the ministry announced, after a contract was awarded to an Estonian company to convert all work visa applications to online.
 

The news means employers—and their office HR staff—will no longer have to trudge between the various government departments and ministries to obtain clearances ahead of hiring employees.

The move to online will be in six phases, according to a ministry official, and should be complete within two years. Housemaids’ visas are already available online, a spokeswoman said.

The news was welcomed by company bosses and expats living and working in Oman.

“We are currently moving our services online.

“Among these services is the work permit system, which will meet the requirements of national manpower recruitment,” said an official from the ministry.”

The official added: “This project means that if they need to apply for a permit, you can do it electronically without needing to go the ministry. Companies are therefore able to obtain permits if they meet the requirements.”

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