Moving to Oman: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

4,664,844

Population - note

note: immigrants make up over 40% of the total population, according to UN data

Population Growth Rate

2.06%

Urban Population

73.400000

Population in Major Urban Areas

MUSCAT (capital) 743,000

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Age Structure

30.140000

Median Age

24.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

24

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

3.4

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.86

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

31.7%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

31.7%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.47

Ethnic Groups

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Nationality Noun

Omani(s)

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Literacy - total population

81.4%

Literacy - male

83.1%

Literacy - female

67.2%

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.3%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

14.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

74.720000

Infant Mortality Rate

14.460000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

14.460000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

32

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.05

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.8

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.3%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

20.9%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

95.500000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

97.300000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

8.6%

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Economic Overview

Oman is heavily dependent on oil and gas resources, which can generate between and 68% and 85% of government revenue, depending on fluctuations in commodity prices.

In 2016, low global oil prices drove Oman’s budget deficit to $13.8 billion, or approximately 20% of GDP, but the budget deficit is estimated to have reduced to 12% of GDP in 2017 as Oman reduced government subsidies.

As of January 2018, Oman has sufficient foreign assets to support its currency’s fixed exchange rates.

It is issuing debt to cover its deficit.

Oman is using enhanced oil recovery techniques to boost production, but it has simultaneously pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP.

The key components of the government's diversification strategy are tourism, shipping and logistics, mining, manufacturing, and aquaculture.

Muscat also has notably focused on creating more Omani jobs to employ the rising number of nationals entering the workforce.

However, high social welfare benefits - that had increased in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring - have made it impossible for the government to balance its budget in light of current oil prices.

In response, Omani officials imposed austerity measures on its gasoline and diesel subsidies in 2016.

These spending cuts have had only a moderate effect on the government’s budget, which is projected to again face a deficit of $7.8 billion in 2018.

Industries

crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$46,200.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.4%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$135,790,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$46,200.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.4%

GDP - official exchange rate

$60,180,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 35.8% government
• consumption: 23.8% investment in fixed
• capital: 31.8% investment in
• inventories: -0.9% exports of goods and
• services: 57.1% imports of goods and
• services: -47.6%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

1.4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

52%

GDP by Sector- services

46.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

4.5%

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Inflation Rate

4%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Omani rial (OMR)

Currency Name and Code

Omani Rial (OMR)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

5.8%

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Labor Force

968,800

Unemployment Rate

15%

Major Industries

crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper

Agriculture Products

• dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables
• camels, cattle
• fish

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Annual Budget

$20,500,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

7.5%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-1.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

42%

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Full Country Name

Sultanate of Oman

Country Name

Oman

Local - Long

Saltanat Uman

Local - Short

Uman

Former Name

Sultanate of Muscat and Oman

Etymology- history of name

the origin of the name is uncertain, but it apparently dates back at least 2,000 years since an "Omana" is mentioned by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.) and an "Omanon" by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.)

Independence

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National Holiday

National Day, 18 November; note - celebrates Oman's independence from Portugal in 1650 and the birthday of Sultan QABOOS bin Said al Said, who reigned from 1970 to 2020

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Government Type

absolute monarchy

Constitution

• history: promulgated by royal decree 6 November 1996 (the Basic Law of the Sultanate of Oman serves as the constitution); amended by royal decree in 2011
• amendments: promulgated by the sultan or proposed by the Council of Oman and drafted by a technical committee as stipulated by royal decree and then promulgated through royal decree; amended by royal decree 2011, 2021

Legal System:

mixed legal system of Anglo-Saxon law and Islamic law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister HAITHAM bin Tarik Al Said (since 11 January 2020); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: Sultan and Prime HAITHAM bin Tarik Al Said (since 11 January 2020)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Council of Oman or Majlis Oman consists of: Council of State or Majlis al-Dawla (87 seats including the chairman; members appointed by the sultan from among former government officials and prominent educators, businessmen, and citizens; members serve 4-year term) Consultative Assembly or Majlis al-Shura (90 seats; members directly elected in single- and 2-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve renewable 4-year terms)
• Elections: Council of State - last appointments on 8 November 2023 (next appointments in November 2027) Consultative Assembly - last held on 29 October 2023 (next to be held in October 2027)
• Election Results: Council of State - 87 nonpartisan members were appointed by the sultan;
• Composition: men 59, women 18, percent of women 20.7% Consultative Assembly percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; 90 nonpartisan members were elected (organized political parties in Oman are legally banned);
• Composition: 90 men, 0 women;
• Note: total Council of Oman percent of women 20.7%

Judicial Branch:

• office: judges nominated by the 9-member Supreme Judicial Council (chaired by the monarch) and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life
• subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; magistrates' courts; military courts

Regions or States:

11 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafaza); Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Buraymi, Al Wusta, Az Zahirah, Janub al Batinah (Al Batinah South), Janub ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah South), Masqat (Muscat), Musandam, Shamal al Batinah (Al Batinah North), Shamal ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah North), Zufar (Dhofar)

Political Parties and Leaders:

• none;
• Note: organized political parties are legally banned in Oman, and loyalties tend to form around tribal affiliations

Suffrage:

• 21 years of age
• universal
• note - members of the military and security forces by law cannot vote

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Oman dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: unknown

Capital Name

Muscat

Capital - geographic coordinate

23 37 N, 58 35 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ABEDA
• AFESD
• AMF
• CAEU
• FAO
• G-77
• GCC
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (NGOs)
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• LAS
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIC
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Ana ESCROGIMA (since 4 December 2023)
• Embassy: P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
• Mailing Address: 6220 Muscat Place, Washington DC 20521
• Telephone: [968] 2464-3400
• FAX: [968] 2464-3740
• Email: ConsularMuscat@state.gov
• Website: https://om.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Moosa Hamdan Moosa AL TAI (since 17 February 2021)
• Chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980
• FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933
• Email: washington@fm.gov.om
• Website: https://www.culturaloffice.info/aboutomaniembassy

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Geographic Location

Middle East

Geographic Coordinates

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Total Area

119,498 Square Miles 309,500 Square Kilometers

Land Area

119,498 Square Miles 309,500 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

854 Miles 1,374 Kilometers

Border Countries

Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline

1,300 Miles 2,092 Kilometers

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Terrain

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Highest Point

2,980 Meters

Highest Point Location

Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Lowest Point Location

Arabian Sea 0 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Irrigated Land

227 Square Miles 589 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Oman’s climate is one of the hottest in the world.

Temperatures reach 130°F in the summer from April to October and rarely drop below 65°F in the cooler season from November to March.

Average annual rainfall measures only 4 or 5 inches and occurs during December into April.

Despite limited rainfall, however, humidity averages 65% to 80%.

Summer monsoons create a tropical climate in the south.

Terrain

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Location

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Total Area

119,498 Square Miles 309,500 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Environment - Current Issues

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$36,120,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$19,300,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Major Imports

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants

Top Export Partners

Japan 22.1%, South Korea 19.9%, China 15.2%, Thailand 12.6%, Taiwan 5.5%, Singapore 4.7%, US 4.4%

Top Import Partners

UAE 27.6%, Japan 16.7%, UK 7.4%, US 6.9%, Germany 5%

Export Partners

Japan 22.1%, South Korea 19.9%, China 15.2%, Thailand 12.6%, Taiwan 5.5%, Singapore 4.7%, US 4.4%

Import Partners

UAE 27.6%, Japan 16.7%, UK 7.4%, US 6.9%, Germany 5%

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Country Description

The Sultanate of Oman, a land of great natural beauty on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has a long and proud heritage.

Oman has seen rapid economic and social development in the past four decades.

A monarchy governed by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the country has a bicameral representative body (the lower house of which is directly elected), which provides the government with advice and is empowered to draft and review legislation.

While Oman is traditionally Islamic and Islam is the state religion, Omanis have for centuries lived with people of other faiths.

Non-Muslims are free to worship at churches and temples built on land donated by the Sultan.

The economy is largely dependent on the production and export of oil and natural gas, but is becoming increasingly diversified.

Excellent tourist facilities are available in the major cities of Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, and Nizwa, and can increasingly be found elsewhere in the country.

Safety & Security

• There have been no instances in which U.S. citizens or facilities in Oman have been subject to terrorist attacks; however, the Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the region. U.S. citizens in Oman are urged to maintain a high level of security awareness. The State Department suggests that all U.S. citizens in Oman maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes and times whenever possible. U.S. citizens are also urged to treat mail or packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Unusual mail or packages should be left unopened and reported to local authorities. U.S. citizens with security concerns are encouraged to contact local authorities and the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. Spontaneous and/or planned public demonstrations take place throughout the country from time to time in response to world events or local developments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should remain attuned to readily available English and/or Arabic-language media outlets and avoid public demonstrations. The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) has advised that elevated regional tensions have increased the risk of maritime attacks being conducted by extremists to vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el Mandeb regions. MARAD recommends vessels at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments, or at slow speeds should be especially vigilant, and report suspicious activity. U.S. flag vessels that observe suspicious activity in the area are advised to report such suspicious activity or any hostile or potentially hostile action to COMUSNAVCENT battlewatch captain at phone number 011-973-1785-3879. All suspicious activities and events should also be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at the following toll-free
• Telephone: 1-800-424-8802, direct telephone 202-267-2675, or TDD 202-267-4477.

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Crime

The incidence of street crime is low in Oman; violent crime is rare by U.S. standards, but can occur.

Crimes of opportunity remain the most likely to affect visitors.

Visitors to Oman should, therefore, take normal precautions, such as avoiding travel in deserted or unfamiliar areas and after dark.

Visitors should also protect personal property from theft.

In particular, valuables and currency should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms.

Common sense and caution are always the best methods for crime prevention.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Oman, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Oman, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating Oman's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Oman are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Oman prohibits pornographic materials and firearms.

Local law limits each traveler to two bottles of alcohol.

Items subject to confiscation at the airport due to content considered culturally inappropriate include, but are not limited to, compact discs, digital video discs, and video and audiocassettes.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender travelers should review the LGBT Travel Information page.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that Omani police and prison officials notify the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

There are a number of modern medical facilities in Oman.

Local medical treatment varies from quite good to inadequate, depending in large part on location.

Many Western pharmaceuticals can be found in Oman.

Hospital emergency treatment is available.

Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.

Traffic Safety

• Practices: Traffic laws in Oman are strictly enforced and the consequences for violating them may be severe by U.S. standards. For example, running a red light results in a mandatory, non-bailable detention period of 48 hours, followed by confiscation of one's driver's license, vehicle registration, and car registration plate until the Omani judicial process is concluded, which may take as long as several months. Other common traffic violations that carry strict penalties, up to and including jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation,
• include: driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to wear a seat belt, talking on cellular telephones (other than using hands-free technology) while driving, speeding excessively, overtaking another vehicle, screeching a car's tires or failing to keep one's car clean. In the event of a traffic violation and fine, drivers should cooperate with police officers and should not attempt to pay or negotiate payment at the time of the traffic stop. U.S. citizens considering driving in Oman are advised to familiarize themselves with the Royal Oman Police (ROP)'s procedures for road and traffic accidents (RTA) to reduce traffic jams, which are available on the ROP web site under “Minor Road Traffic Accidents.”
• Note: Minor RTA are accidents causing minor damage to one or more vehicles that do not result in injuries, deaths, or material damage to public/private properties. Parties involved in such accidents should immediately move their vehicles to the side of the road. U.S. citizens involved in accidents outside the Muscat area are advised not to move their vehicles from the accident location until the ROP gives them permission; moving a vehicle may be interpreted as an admission of guilt. The use of European-style traffic circles is prevalent in Oman. However, unlike European traffic practice, the driver on the inside lane always has priority. A driver flashing his/her high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass. Turning right on a red traffic signal is prohibited. Visitors should not drive without a valid license. Short-term visitors in possession of a valid U.S. driver's license may drive rental vehicles, but residents must have an Omani driver's license. To obtain an Omani license, a U.S. citizen must have a U.S. license that has been valid for at least one year or must take a driving test. Visitors hiring rental cars should insure the vehicles adequately against death, injury and loss or damage. Residents may insure their vehicles outside the Sultanate; however, third party liability insurance must be purchased locally. Emergency
• Services: A modern ambulance service using U.S. equipment and staff trained in the United States was instituted in 2004 and has been assessed as very good. It serves most of the country. For all traffic-related emergencies, the Royal Oman Police can be contacted by dialing "9999."

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Airports - total

132

Airports with Paved Runways

13

Heliports

3

Roadways- total

37,431 Miles 60,240 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

18,445 Miles 29,685 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Matrah, Mina' al Fahl, Mina' Raysut

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Pipelines: Condensate

66 Miles 106 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

2,625 Miles 4,224 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

2,211 Miles 3,558 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil/Gas/Water

21 Miles 33 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

164 Miles 264 Kilometers

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Telephones

300,100

Cell Phones

2,500,000

Internet Users

340,000

Internet Country Code

.om

Internet Hosts

9,114

Broadcast Media

• 1 state-run TV broadcaster
• TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen available via satellite TV
• state-run radio operates multiple stations
• first private radio station began operating in 2007 and 2 additional stations now operating

Telephone System

• assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations
• domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems
• international: country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

11,360,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

13,580,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

17,530,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

10,930,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

1,950,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

35,940,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

849,500,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

98,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

705,100

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

769,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

5,500,000,000

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Anthem History

The Sultan's Anthem has been in use as a national anthem since 1970 the words were written by Ali Squalli Houssaini and the music by Rodney Bashford

Anthem Lyrics

The Sultan's Anthem ARABIC lyrics Ya Rabbana Ehfid Lana Jalalat Al Sultan Waashabi Fee Al'wtan Bialeizy Walaman.

Walyadum Muoayadda, Aahilan Momajjada; Bilnufoosi Yuftda.

Walyadum Muoayadda, Aahilan Momajjada; Bilnufoosi Yuftda.

Ya Oman, Nahnoo Min Ahd Il Nabi Awfiya Min K'ram Al Arabi.

Abshiry Qaboos Jaa Faltubarakhu 'I Sama.

Waasidy Waltoq'hi Bilduoaa.

Anthem Lyrics English

O Lord, protect for us our Majesty the Sultan And the people in our land, With honour and peace.

May he live long, strong and supported, Glorified be his leadership.

For him we shall lay down our lives.

May he live long, strong and supported, Glorified be his leadership.

For him we shall lay down our lives.

O Oman, since the time of the Prophet We are a dedicated people amongst the noblest Arabs.

Be happy!

Qaboos has come With the blessing of Heaven.

Be cheerful and commend him to the protection of our prayers.