As of the beginning of the month, significant changes have been implemented in Oman's visa policies, affecting foreigners with visitor visas. 

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has enforced a rule preventing the conversion of visitor visas to employment visas within the country. This ruling applies universally to all categories of visitor visas, including those issued for tourism and express purposes.

The Core Changes

Mandatory Exit for Employment Visa Application:

Foreign nationals with visitor visas are now required to exit Oman to apply for and obtain an employment visa. Previously, individuals in this category had the convenience of converting their visitor visas to employment visas while still within the country. This shift is expected to introduce delays in the commencement of work and increase the overall expenses for foreign workers.

Temporary Visa Halt for Bangladeshi Nationals:

In tandem with the broader policy changes, the issuance of new visas for Bangladeshi nationals has been temporarily suspended. This move is part of a comprehensive review of visa acquisition policies by the Omani authorities.

Ramifications for Foreign Nationals

The sudden implementation of these changes is anticipated to disrupt the timelines of foreign workers who were planning to convert their visas and start employment in Oman. 

The previous flexibility of on-site visa conversion has been replaced with a more rigid process, necessitating additional steps and incurring extra costs as individuals must now leave Oman to obtain the required employment documentation.

Additional Visa-related Updates

E-Visa Application System:

Oman has introduced an online application system for e-visas in an effort to streamline the visa application process and reduce waiting times at airports. The processing time for an e-visa is estimated to be two to three days, providing a quicker alternative compared to traditional visa application methods.

Varied Processing Times for Different Visa Types:

Different visa types in Oman now come with varying processing durations. Tourist visas are expected to take approximately one week or seven business days, while Resident Sponsored Student and Employment Visas can take anywhere from one to seven days.

Tourism Growth and Statistics

Despite the recent visa policy changes, Oman continues to experience a substantial increase in visitor arrivals. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 2.9 million people visited Oman in 2022, marking an impressive 348% surge from the previous year. 

The top nationalities visiting include Emiratis, Indians, Yemenis, and Germans. Furthermore, the hotel industry in the country has seen remarkable growth, with a 91.7% increase in revenue until November 2022, reaching RO 161.26 million or $418 million.

Conclusion

Oman's recent adjustments in visa policies, particularly the suspension of onsite visa conversion, have wide-ranging implications for foreign workers and visitors. 

While posing challenges, the country's appeal as a tourist destination remains robust, evident in the substantial increase in visitor numbers and hotel revenues. As the situation continues to evolve, individuals and businesses are advised to stay informed about the latest developments in Oman's visa regulations.