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Oman work-permit reforms: what Decision 602/2025 changes for employers
A practical guide to Oman’s updated work-licence framework, including 24-month validity, Omanisation-linked fee treatment, exemptions, and workforce recordkeeping.
HR Operations - 9 min read - Updated 2026-08-12 - ZoroBiz Editorial Team
Software guidance only. Confirm legal, tax, payroll, and compliance decisions with qualified local advisors.
The licence period and fee logic have changed
Ministerial Decision 602/2025 introduced a new framework for work licences and work-practice permits. The official Oman News Agency summary states that validity for recruitment and work-practice licences for non-Omani workers increased from 15 months to 24 months.
The reform also links fee treatment more directly to Omanisation compliance. Establishments meeting mandated rates may receive a 30% reduction, while non-compliant establishments may face doubled fees. Employers should confirm their current Ministry status before budgeting or submitting an application.
Why HR data now has a direct cost impact
Job title, occupation classification, worker status, licence dates, Omanisation position, and establishment records can affect the fee and the available service path. Incomplete or outdated workforce data can therefore become a financial issue rather than only an administrative inconvenience.
Maintain one workforce register with employee identity, nationality, occupation code, contract status, work-permit reference, issue and expiry dates, visa status, location, and replacement or transfer history. Reconcile this register with the Ministry portal before renewals.
Exemptions and recovery need evidence
The official summary identifies circumstances where fees, penalties, recovery, or nominal replacement treatment may apply. Examples include failure to pass the medical examination, Royal Oman Police visa non-approval, worker death, repatriation within a specified period, an eligible one-time transfer, employer death, or cancellation for administrative or technical reasons.
These are not automatic accounting adjustments. Keep the original payment, licence application, government decision, medical or immigration evidence, cancellation date, and refund or replacement reference together. Finance should not write off a permit cost until HR confirms the final status.
Create a permit calendar
Track renewals well before expiry, but also monitor contracts, passports, visas, Omanisation plans, and employee changes that can affect the application. Assign owners for preparation, approval, government submission, payment, and closure so that one missed handoff does not delay the worker’s status.
Use current Ministry classifications and fees at the time of application. Decision summaries are helpful for planning, but the payable amount shown by the official service reflects the specific occupation, licence period, establishment category, and amendments.
How ZoroBiz helps
ZoroBiz connects employee profiles, contracts, payroll records, attendance, documents, approvals, expenses, and reporting. This gives HR and finance a shared view of the records behind permit budgeting and renewal follow-up.
Government applications and legal classification remain outside ZoroBiz. Employers should verify permit eligibility, Omanisation treatment, occupation class, and fees through the Ministry of Labour or a qualified adviser.
Oman Ministry of Labour — ministerial decisions directory: https://www.mol.gov.om/MinisterialDecision
Oman News Agency — Decision 602/2025 work-licence framework: https://omannews.gov.om/topics/en/80/show/125142/ona
Oman Ministry of Labour — non-Omani work-permit renewal service: https://mol.gov.om/ManpowerAllEServices/Details/282?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
How long are non-Omani work licences valid under the new framework? The official Oman News Agency summary says Decision 602/2025 extends recruitment and work-practice licence validity from 15 months to 24 months.
How does Omanisation affect work-permit fees? The official summary describes a 30% fee reduction for establishments meeting required Omanisation rates and doubled fees for non-compliant establishments. Exact treatment depends on the decision, occupation, establishment, and current Ministry records.
Are refunds or nominal replacement licences available? The decision provides defined cases for fee recovery, exemptions, or replacement licences at a nominal amount, subject to conditions such as medical failure, visa non-approval, death, early repatriation, or administrative cancellation.
Where should employers confirm the amount due? Employers should use the Ministry of Labour service and current occupation classification because the fee depends on the applicable category, duration, compliance position, and amendments.