Oman Among Best Countries for Expats
Oman has been recognized as one of the best countries for expatriates in the Expat Insider 2024 survey. The Sultanate ranks 12th overall in the survey, earning high marks for friendliness, security, and ease of settling in.
The Expat Insider survey, conducted by InterNations, is one of the most comprehensive studies on expatriate life, and this year marks its 11th edition. The survey gathered responses from over 12,500 expatriates of 175 different nationalities living in 174 countries or territories.
The survey ranks the best countries to live in based on factors such as Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and Expat Essentials. In 2024, the survey covered 53 destinations, with Panama topping the list, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, Spain, and Colombia rounding out the top five. Kuwait ranks last, with Turkey, Finland, Germany, and Canada also placing in the bottom five.
Expats in Oman are highly satisfied with the friendliness of locals, ease of settling in, and personal finance.
Below is a table showing Oman’s rankings in various survey indices:
| Category | Oman’s Rank | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Friendliness of Locals | 8 | Expats are very pleased with the warmth and friendliness of the locals. |
| Ease of Settling In | 12 | Oman is recognized as one of the best countries for newly-arrived expats. |
| Personal Finance | 12 | Expats are satisfied with their financial situation in Oman. |
| Culture and Welcome | 12 | Oman ranks among the top 15 countries in this category. |
| Safety and Security | 13 | Oman is recognized as one of the safest countries for expats. |
| Environment and Climate | 13 | The climate and environmental sustainability in Oman are highly praised. |
| Family Friends | 14 | Oman is evaluated as a suitable destination for families. |
| Quality of Life | 28 | Oman ranks among the top 30 countries in the Quality of Life Index. |
| Leisure Options | 42 | The country has a lower ranking in providing leisure options. |
| Working Culture and Satisfaction | 34 | Expats have some concerns about the work culture and job satisfaction in Oman. |
In the region, the UAE ranks 10th, the highest in the survey, while Kuwait (53rd) ranks last for the seventh consecutive time. Expats in Kuwait report low satisfaction with the Quality of Life Index (53rd). Only 53% of respondents rated the affordability of public transportation as good (compared to 70% globally). Expats also struggle with the weather and natural environment. In healthcare, which is crucial for a high quality of life, Kuwait ranks 51st.
Turkey ranks 52nd. The country is in the bottom ten in three of the five major indices. Additionally, Turkey ranks 49th in overall expat happiness, with 27% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with their life in the country.
Those considering Turkey for professional growth might be disappointed, as the country ranks last in the Working Abroad Index (53rd). About a third of respondents (34%) believe that moving to Turkey did not improve their career prospects, and even more rated their personal career opportunities negatively, compared to global averages.
South Korea, which ranks 23rd, is the biggest gainer in 2024, managing an impressive recovery from its place in the bottom ten in 2023. Belgium also saw significant improvement, jumping 20 places to now rank 18th in 2024.
Source: Oman Among Best Countries for Expats (muscatdaily.com)
