Will Omanisation affect getting visas for my family?

Hello! 

I’m sure that you’ve done a lot of research into the topic and seems you are quite clued up. Yes, you are right, expats of all skill levels live in Oman, people from cleaners and cooks to engineers and marketers have come from abroad. Oman has a large expat population but quotas are adjusted regularly. This means that while your job may be secure now, the following year, your contract may not be renewed. Be sure to read all the aspects of your contract so that your employer doesn’t terminate your contract early due to Omanisation. Have you already got your job secured?

Your concern for your family is completely understandable! I do not speak from personal experience so hopefully someone on the forum reaches out. Expat Arrivals has a useful guide on Visas for Oman that explains family-joining visas, which should be a fairly simple process (provided the processing has started, given COVID-19 regulations in Oman). Have you contacted the nearest embassy to find out more?
 

Hey, thanks for the feedback!

I had a read of the Visas for Oman page and found it really interesting, and useful for me and my work permit for Oman too.

Yes, I have a job lined up and I am going through negotiations with my employer before finalising the whole employment package. Is it too much to ask about them arranging my accommodation?

I’ve also read about the No Objection Certificate and a recent change in the law, how will this affect me?

That’s great, I’m glad you found them useful. Our whole guide, Moving to Oman, has helpful and essential tips and info on healthcare, schools and accommodation in the Sultanate of Oman.

Have you taken a look at the Working in Oman and Doing Business in Oman pages? They will be of most value. Expat Arrivals recommends negotiating for a solid employment package, ask all the things that are available to you and always be friendly. This will make a world of difference when you start working there.

The No Objection Certificate has been a pain for most expats – it has made it almost impossible to change jobs. If you want to leave your current job for a new company, your employer has had to sign the NOC to allow it, but as they have invested so much to get you there in the first place, many deny it. Luckily, the NOC regulations are due to ease in 2021 and expats in Oman are ecstatic! It should mean that changing jobs will be much easier. Yet to see how it actually unfolds, but you can follow the news on the Times of Oman website.

Hope that helps!

Getting a family visa does not have anything to do with Omanization.  Once you get a job in Oman and your employer grants you family status it's up to you to exercise the option and proceed with issuing family visa for your family to join you.

Omanization might block you from getting a job at the first place especially if there's an Omani national who can fill the exact same job as you do.