Oman Reverses 2022 Policy, Halts Work Permits for Expatriates Over 60
- Editorial Team
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
MUSCAT, August 23, 2026 — Oman has stopped issuing and renewing work permits for expatriate workers above the age of 60, effectively reversing a policy introduced in January 2022 that allowed older foreign employees to remain in the private sector .
Several expatriates have reported that renewal applications submitted by their employers have been rejected in recent weeks. A senior official familiar with the matter has confirmed that permits for expatriate workers over 60 are currently not being issued .
Published: August 23, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What Has Changed?
Aspect | 2022 Policy (Jan 2022 – Aug 2026) | Current Policy (From Aug 2026) |
Age Limit | No age ceiling for work permit renewals | 60-year age limit reinstated |
Employer Flexibility | Employers could retain experienced workers over 60 | Employers cannot renew permits for workers over 60 |
Impact | Experienced expatriates could continue working beyond 60 | Long-serving workers face uncertainty over employment and residency |
Background: The 2022 Policy
In January 2022, Oman's Ministry of Labour issued a circular abolishing the age limit of 60 years for expatriate workers in the private sector . At the time, Labour Minister Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain explained that the change was intended to:
Give employers greater flexibility to retain productive and experienced workers
Benefit the private sector by retaining knowledge, wealth, and experience
Increase productivity by allowing companies to keep skilled expatriates, particularly where Omanisation requirements had been met
The Minister noted that companies were repeatedly seeking exemptions to retain experienced employees beyond the age threshold, prompting the policy change .
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Impact on Expatriates
Several affected residents have told local media that the reversal has created significant uncertainty over their employment and residency status. The change particularly affects long-serving foreign workers who had remained in Oman on the understanding that their permits could continue to be renewed .
Impact | Details |
Employment Uncertainty | Workers over 60 cannot renew permits |
Residency Status | Without valid work permits, residency becomes invalid |
Legal Action | Expatriates staying without a work permit face possible legal action |
New Visas Blocked | Both new work visas and renewals for over-60s have been stopped |
Ministry of Labour Position
Oman's Ministry of Labour continues to list work-permit renewal services for non-Omani workers on its website. However, the current service page does not publicly set out an age threshold . The Royal Oman Police (ROP) website still lists the official requirement that work visa applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age .
The Ministry has not yet issued a formal statement explaining the reversal of the 2022 policy.
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Policy Change | 60-year age limit reinstated for expatriate work permits |
Effective | August 2026 |
Previous Policy | No age limit (introduced January 2022) |
New Visas | Not issued for applicants over 60 |
Renewals | Not accepted for workers over 60 |
Affected Workers | Long-serving expatriates who had remained in Oman under 2022 policy |
Official Statement | Ministry of Labour has not yet issued formal announcement |
Legal Risk | Expatriates without valid permits face possible legal action |
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