Guide to Working in Oman

If you're moving to Oman for work, here is a general idea of what kind of work culture to expect. 
 
Moving to the Middle East for working purposes seems daunting to the average expat. However, life in this region can be even more fulfilling than your current life in your home country. It just depends on your attitude when you move here. If you have decided to take the plunge and move to Oman, here are some guidelines for working here as an expat.

The basics

The first thing to note is that if you have decided to move here for work, you will be sponsored by your company. This means that the company will be responsible for you and your documentation. Often, the company will also be responsible for providing your accommodation or for providing you with an accommodation allowance. Many people come to work in Oman because the salaries are higher and you have tax-free earnings. The quality of life is also better due to the amazing climate, spacious homes and an almost non-existent crime rate.

Women working

Traditionally, women moved to Oman to work in careers such as teaching and nursing. Nowadays, the working sphere for women is broadening with jobs easily available in the hotel and airline industries. A single woman can move there and work in one of these industries with full knowledge and security concerning her salary and accommodation. Oman is becoming more and more liberal with regards to hiring women and opportunities in business and HR are becoming more and more prominent.

If you are not a single woman but have relocated while following your husband, you can also find fulfilling work that will not take up all of your time but will cure boredom when the children are at school. Many women who are not very career-oriented take up positions in charitable organisations and do a lot of volunteer work in order to use up their time in creative ways.

Finding a job

It is best to come to Oman with a job that is already lined up and waiting for you with appropriate sponsorship and accommodation. The best way to find work in Oman is through a recruitment agency in your home country. Many of the larger company’s websites also have a careers section where you can upload your CV and cover letter. You may also want to try cold calling the companies by sending your CV or contacting their HR department directly.

If you want to come to Oman on a visit visa, looking for work may be more of a challenge. There are no recruitment agencies in Oman that deal with high-end jobs and due to Omanization, administrative positions usually go to Omani nationals. Furthermore, working on a visit visa is illegal and companies will not hire someone off the street. One of the only ways to successfully find a job is if you already have a network of contacts in Oman that can propel you through the gauntlet of red-tape.

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