Oman

Obtaining a residency in Oman involves a process that can be considered average in terms of difficulty when compared to other countries. The most common types of residency visas are the Employment Visa and the Family Joining Visa. To apply for an Employment Visa, an expatriate must first secure a job offer from an Omani company. The employer acts as a sponsor and will typically manage the visa application process on behalf of the employee. The process includes submitting various documents, such as a passport valid for at least six months, a no-objection certificate from the previous employer if applicable, a health certificate proving the applicant is free from infectious diseases, and a letter from the sponsoring company. The Family Joining Visa is for the immediate family members of expatriates working in Oman and requires similar documentation, along with proof of the family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates. For those looking to stay for shorter periods, such as digital nomads, the Tourist Visa or Express Visa might be more appropriate. These visas are easier to obtain and require less documentation. The Tourist Visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days. The Express Visa is designed for short business trips or transit and is valid for stays of up to 21 days. It is important to note that all expatriates in Oman must have a valid residency visa to live in the country, and working on a Tourist or Express Visa is not permitted. The Royal Oman Police is the authority responsible for issuing visas, and applications can often be made online through their eVisa system. The overall process can be straightforward if all the required documents are in order, but it may become more challenging if there are any issues with the sponsorship or documentation.

Healthcare in Oman

Oman's system includes both public and private sectors. The government provides free or low-cost healthcare to Omani nationals, and the quality of public healthcare is generally considered good, with significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and services. The private healthcare sector is growing, offering a higher standard of comfort and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. Expatriates and digital nomads typically need private health insurance to access private healthcare services. They can access public healthcare once they have a residency permit and are employed in Oman, as their employers are required to provide health insurance. However, many expats prefer private healthcare due to the higher quality of services and the availability of international medical staff.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Oman is considered moderate when compared to other countries in the region. Essentials such as housing, food, and transportation are reasonably priced, but some imported goods and services can be expensive.

Weather

Oman has a hot and dry climate with high temperatures in the summer months. The coastal areas are more humid, while the interior regions are arid and have desert conditions. Rainfall is scarce and mostly occurs during the winter months, with occasional heavy downpours that can cause flash floods.

Educational System in Oman

The educational system in Oman is overseen by the Omani government, which provides free education to Omani citizens up to the tertiary level. Education is compulsory for children from the age of six to sixteen, which covers the first ten years of schooling. The system is divided into two main stages: basic education and post-basic education. Basic education consists of a 4-year cycle for ages 6-9 (grades 1-4), followed by a 6-year cycle for ages 10-15 (grades 5-10). Post-basic education is a 2-year cycle for ages 16-17 (grades 11-12) and prepares students for higher education or vocational training. Schools in Oman follow a modern curriculum that includes subjects like mathematics, sciences, languages, and social studies, with Arabic being the language of instruction and English taught as a second language. The academic year runs from September to June, with exams at the end of each term. Upon completion of grade 12, students take a national examination that determines their eligibility for higher education. The quality of education in Oman has been improving, with the government investing in educational reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure development. are also available, offering various curricula such as American, British, or the International Baccalaureate, catering to expatriate families.

The university system in Oman consists of several public and private institutions, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. The system is regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Sultan Qaboos University, established in 1986, is the premier public university and offers programs in arts and social sciences, commerce and economics, education, engineering, law, medicine, and science. Other notable institutions include the University of Nizwa, Sohar University, and Dhofar University, among others. Degree programs typically last four years for bachelor's degrees, two years for master's degrees, and three to five years for doctoral degrees. The academic year is divided into two semesters, with an optional summer session. English is the medium of instruction for most programs, especially in science, engineering, and business. Universities in Oman provide various facilities and services, including libraries, IT support, sports facilities, and student accommodation. For international students, universities offer assistance with visas, accommodation, and integration into campus life. The cost of attending university in Oman varies depending on the institution and program, but scholarships and financial aid are available for both Omani and international students.