Oman Removes Age Limit for Expatriate Work Permits in Major Policy Shift
MUSCAT, September 12, 2026 – The Omani government has officially removed the 60-year age limit for the issuance and renewal of work permits for foreign employees in the private sector. This policy reversal follows an unexpected temporary suspension implemented in August 2026, during which the Ministry of Labour had cancelled renewal applications for expatriate workers aged 60 and older.
- Age limit removed: Oman scraps the 60-year age cap for foreign private sector workers.
- Recent suspension: August 2026 policy temporarily blocked permits for workers aged 60 and above.
- Impacted nationalities: Affects workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Background on the Work Permit Policy
The 60-year age cap had previously been abolished in January 2022 to allow companies to retain experienced personnel. However, in August 2026, the ministry’s portal began automatically rejecting applications for workers in this age bracket. According to reports from Gulf Daily News and local sources, the government has now rescinded that restriction.
Impact on Workers and Employers
This decision impacts thousands of long-term expatriate workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, particularly those employed in the construction, service, manufacturing, and technical sectors. Employers whose applications were rejected during the August suspension period are now required to resubmit their renewal or new applications via the Ministry of Labour’s official portal.
Action Required for Residency Status
Authorities have advised that because residency status is directly linked to work permits, employers should act promptly to update their documentation. As the validity of the residence card, or Iqama, is dependent on the work permit, status regularization is a priority. While major media outlets previously covered the August restrictions, information regarding this recent reversal is currently emerging from the Ministry of Labour portal reports and regional news outlets.