Oman Officially Removes 60-Year Age Limit For Expatriate Work Permits
Muscat, 11 September 2026 – Oman has officially abolished the 60-year age cap for the issuance and renewal of work permits for foreign employees in the private sector. This decision marks a significant reversal following a period in August 2026 during which the Ministry of Labour ceased processing renewals for expatriate workers over the age of 60.
- Age cap removed: Oman cancels the 60-year age limit for work permit issuance and renewal.
- Policy reversal: The move fixes a temporary pause from August 2026 that blocked older workers.
- Action required: Rejected applicants must ask their employers to re-submit forms online.
Background on the Work Permit Policy
That temporary pause had effectively revoked a policy established in 2022 that initially removed the age ceiling. The 2022 circular, introduced by then Labour Minister Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, was originally implemented to assist companies in retaining experienced staff, particularly in sectors where Omanisation targets had been achieved and roles were not exclusively reserved for Omani citizens. Following the ministry’s recent restriction, local outlets, including Gulf Daily News and The Arabian Stories, reported that numerous long-serving expatriates encountered application rejections at the labour portal.
Impact on Workers and Industries
The reversal provides renewed job security for older workers from nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, as well as other South Asian and Arab countries. Industries such as construction, services, manufacturing, and technical fields are expected to benefit from the increased stability regarding their seasoned foreign workforce.
Next Steps for Resubmission
While officials have not released a formal public statement, a report by Gulf Daily News on 10 September 2026 confirmed that the age restriction has been removed. Because residency status in Oman is tied to valid work permits, the government is advising workers whose applications were rejected in August to have their employers re-submit them through the official Ministry of Labour portal. Applicants are encouraged to retain documentation, including salary certificates and previous work permits, to facilitate the process.