Thousands of Long-Serving Expatriates Face Uncertainty as 2022 Age Relaxation Policy Is Reversed
Oman introduced new rules for the foreigner employees above the age of 60. Authorities no longer issuing or renewing work permits for expatriates in this age group. Authorities no longer extend or The move marks a reversal of a 2022 policy that allowed older foreign employees to continue working in Oman’s private sector after reaching the previous retirement age limit.
The latest decision could affect many long-serving expatriates who had expected to continue their employment in the country beyond the age of 60.
Employers Face Rejections for Renewal Applications
Several expatriates have reported that work permit renewal applications submitted by their employers were recently rejected by authorities.
A senior official confirmed that work permits for expatriate workers above 60 are currently not being issued or renewed.
The development has created uncertainty among foreign employees who have spent decades working in Oman and continue to hold important positions in private companies.
Many businesses rely on experienced foreign professionals, particularly in technical, managerial and specialised roles.
2022 Policy Had Allowed Older Workers to Continue Employment
In 2022, Oman removed the age restriction that prevented expatriates from renewing work permits after turning 60.
The decision was introduced after companies requested greater flexibility to retain skilled and experienced employees who contributed to their operations.
Oman’s Ministry of Labour had previously stated that removing the age limit would help businesses maintain experienced manpower and support productivity.
The relaxation mainly benefited companies that had fulfilled Omanisation requirements and still required foreign workers for positions not filled by Omani citizens.
New Restrictions Reverse Previous Labour Approach
The latest development effectively reverses the earlier policy, creating challenges for employers seeking to retain older foreign employees.
Companies may now have to find replacements for experienced workers whose permits cannot be renewed due to the new restrictions.
The decision could particularly impact sectors that depend on highly skilled expatriate professionals with years of industry experience.
However, authorities have not yet publicly announced detailed guidelines explaining the scope, exceptions or implementation timeline of the new restrictions.
Online Renewal Services Continue Without Public Age Details
Oman’s Ministry of Labour continues to provide online services for renewing work permits of non-Omani employees.
However, publicly available information about the renewal process does not currently mention a specific age limit or provide details about the latest restrictions affecting workers above 60.
Expatriates and employers are now awaiting further clarification from authorities regarding the future of older foreign workers and whether any exemptions will be introduced.
The policy change represents a significant shift in Oman’s labour regulations and may have wide implications for expatriates who have contributed to the country’s workforce for many years.
