Oman clarifies visa expiry fine waivers: What you need to know

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has clarified via social media that fines and legal proceedings will be waived for undocumented laborers and visitors who remain in the Sultanate of Oman after their visa validity has expired.

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The Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Oman had earlier announced this exemption to help individuals whose visas or residency permits have expired to leave the country without penalties. However, this facility does not apply to those involved in any criminal activity.

According to a report in the Oman Observer, the initiative is part of broader efforts to streamline the labor market in Oman.

Expiration of residency permits

The MoL stated that this facility is intended for illegal workers whose residency permits have expired and who wish to leave the country. These individuals can apply through the ministry’s website by following the outlined steps. They will receive a notification from the ministry within about a week. To complete their exit, they simply need to present a valid airline ticket to their home country.

Speaking to the Observer, an ROP official confirmed that undocumented immigrants may leave Oman freely if they have not committed any criminal offenses, and provided their departure complies with the Ministry of Labour’s stated conditions.

“The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has followed with interest the reports circulating about exemption from fines and financial obligations imposed on individuals and employers. It clarifies that the exemption includes the specific cases referred to in the Ministry of Labour’s announcement regarding correcting conditions and settling fines and financial obligations imposed on individuals and employers,” the official said.

Categories of exemption

There are two primary categories eligible for this exemption:

Expats wishing to regularise their status by renewing their residency or transferring their employment within Oman. These individuals will be exempt from fines related to expired visas and residence cards, after the Ministry of Labour confirms their status has been corrected.

Individuals wishing to leave Oman permanently will be exempt from all fines related to expired visas not linked to employment.

The ROP has confirmed that all necessary technical systems have been put in place to facilitate these transactions. It urges all eligible individuals to take advantage of this grace period, which runs until Thursday, July 31, 2025.