Oman: Decision No. 137 of 2014 Amending Provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law No. 63 of 1996

Title

Oman: Decision No. 137 of 2014 Amending Provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law No. 63 of 1996

Date of adoption

Entry into force

Text versions

Source:

–  Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Legal Affairs, accessed: 01 November 2014, http://www.mola.gov.om/TempRoyalDecree.aspx?Id=81&type=D

Abstract

Of particular relevance is Art. 4 (e) relating to the visits of foreign relatives and friends. In accordance with the new text, a visit visa shall be granted to the relatives and friends of an Omani citizen upon his request where he shall act as their sponsor. A visit visa may also be granted to the relatives of a foreigner residing in Oman upon the request and of his sponsor where he shall act as their sponsor. A visit visa may also be granted to relatives of owners of residential units upon their request and under their sponsorship. Such a visa grants its holder the right to remain in the country for three months renewable once for a month. The visa may be used within three months of its issuance and is valid for one visit only.

Art. 6 sets the conditions for obtaining a fast visa which is granted to foreign businessmen entering the country to complete a business transaction as well as people with high and rare professional qualifications upon the request of a local sponsor. The visa must be used within one month of its issuance and is valid for a single entry of three weeks renewable for one week.

Art. 9 sets the conditions for obtaining an investor visa which may be granted to a foreigner who is at least twenty-one years old who wishes to invest his money in the country. This visa must be used within three months of its issuance.

Art. 10 stipulates that to obtain a reunification visa, the local sponsor must request it for the wife/ husband and children (aged no more than twenty-one) of a foreign employee. They shall be under the sponsor’s responsibility. This type of visa may also be granted to the foreign wife of an Omani citizen upon his request and presentation of proof of marriage. The visa must be used within three months of its issuance.

A family visa may be granted at the discretion of the competent authority and upon the request and under the responsibility of a local sponsor. This visa must be used within three months of its issuance (Art. 11).

A new Art. 13 (Bis) is added to the decision entitling a sponsor to request the replacement of a visa issued to a person he sponsors in accordance with the regulations set by the competent authority.

The new Art. 14 sets the conditions that must be met by a sponsor:

1. S/he must be an Omani or GCC citizen or a foreign investor or a foreign owner of real estate in the country.
2. S/he must be able to bear the costs of sponsorship as defined by the Residence Law and its implementing regulations
3. S/he must ensure that the foreigner works in his field of business and under his supervision if he enters the country for work purposes.
4. S/he must commit to reporting the foreigner’s place of residence if requested to.
5. S/he must commit to ensuring the foreigner’s and his dependents’ departure if its mandated by the competent authority.

Art. 29 is amended with new fees for some of the visas as follows:

4. Investor visa – 50 Omani Riyals
5. Reunification visa – 30 Omani Riyals
6. Family visa – 30 Omani Riyals
7. Study visa – 30 Omani Riyals

It also adds new fees for the renewal of residence:

1. Investor residence – 50 Omani Riyals
2. Reunification residence – 30 Omani Riyals
3. Family residence – 30 Omani Riyals
4. Study residence – 30 Omani Riyals
5. Owner residence – 50 Omani Riyals
6. Owner Reunification residence – 50 Omani Riyals