Move reverses 2022 policy and leaves some long-serving foreign workers facing uncertainty over jobs and residency
Oman has stopped issuing and renewing work permits for expatriate workers aged over 60, reversing a policy introduced in 2022 that allowed older foreign employees to continue working in the private sector.
The change has reportedly been implemented through the rejection of renewal applications submitted by employers. Several expatriates have said their applications were turned down in recent weeks, while a senior official familiar with the matter confirmed that permits for foreign workers above 60 are currently not being issued.
The development could affect long-serving expatriates who continued working beyond the age of 60 under the previous rules and expected to remain eligible for further renewals.
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In January 2022, Oman removed the age ceiling that had prevented expatriates from renewing work permits after reaching 60
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The Ministry of Labour said at the time that companies had sought greater flexibility to retain experienced employees
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Labour Minister Dr Mahad bin Said Ba’owain also said the policy would help businesses retain productive and experienced workers, particularly where Omanisation requirements had been met and the positions were not restricted to Omani citizens
The latest move effectively reverses that policy. Affected residents have expressed concern about their employment and residency status, particularly those whose employers still wish to retain them.
However, no formal public announcement detailing the new age restriction has yet been identified. The Ministry of Labour continues to provide online services for renewing work permits for non-Omani workers, while the publicly available service information does not state a specific age limit. The ministry’s work permit service was updated on September 9, 2026.
The reported policy change comes amid continued efforts to regulate Oman’s labour market and expand employment opportunities for Omani citizens.
