Oman Halts Work Permit Renewals for Expats Over 60
Oman has implemented a significant policy shift by suspending the issuance and renewal of work permits for expatriate workers aged 60 and above. This sudden change to the Oman work permit age limit marks a major reversal from a 2022 mandate that had previously allowed older foreign nationals to remain employed within the private sector.
The decision has left thousands of long-serving employees facing immediate residency uncertainty. While the Ministry of Labour's online portal continues to list renewal services without explicitly citing the age restriction, many employers have reported that renewal applications for workers over 60 are being rejected through the system.
A Reversal of Previous Flexibility
This development contradicts the stance established in January 2022, when the Omani government removed the age ceiling to provide businesses with more flexibility. At that time, the move was intended to allow companies to retain experienced personnel in sectors where Omanisation quotas were already being met.
Despite the lack of a formal public announcement regarding this reversal, official requirements on the Royal Oman Police website currently state that work visa applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 60. This discrepancy has created confusion for both businesses and the expatriate workforce.
Impact on the Expatriate Community
The policy shift is expected to have a profound impact on the Sultanate's large expatriate population