Muscat – May 27, 2025, The Omani government has announced a special visa fine waiver running from February 1 to July 31, 2025, offering undocumented foreign residents a chance to legalize their stay or leave without facing accumulated fines.
Who is eligible? Two main categories:
- Foreigners seeking to regularize work-related residency
- Full exemption from expired work visa/residency card fines
- Requires approval from the Ministry of Labour
- Employers also benefit from waivers of old fines dating back to 2017
- Foreigners planning to leave Oman permanently
- Includes expired non-work visas (family sponsorship, visit visas)
- Waiver of all related overstay penalties
- A valid airline ticket to the home country is required
Excluded: Anyone involved in criminal activities is not eligible
Unresolved Issue: Expired work visa holders wanting to exit
Official guidelines are clear for non-work visas, but it’s uncertain whether expired work permit holders leaving permanently are also covered.
Scale and Financial Impact
The Council of Ministers approved fine settlements exceeding OMR 60 million, showing the scale of undocumented residents and the government’s willingness to forgo revenue for regulatory clarity.
Application Process
✅ Via Ministry of Labour Website:
- Open from Feb 1 to July 31, 2025
- Notifications issued within a week
- Valid flight ticket mandatory for those leaving permanently
✅ Royal Oman Police (ROP):
- Technical systems upgraded with e-authentication (PKI)
- Aims to minimize in-person visits and speed up processing
✅ Support from Embassies:
- Volunteers appointed to assist applicants
- Crucial for those with language or digital literacy barriers
Checklist for Applicants
| Step | Responsible Party | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm eligibility | Individual/Employer | Clarify category; ensure no criminal record |
| Access MoL website | Individual/Employer | Submit complete and accurate information |
| Online application submission | Individual/Employer | Follow steps carefully |
| Wait for notification | MoL/ROP | Expect a response within one week |
| Book valid flight (if exiting) | Individual | Mandatory for permanent departure |
Impact & Challenges
Labour market reform
Helps reduce undocumented labour, enhance wage stability, and increase data transparency.
Structural shortcomings
Kafala system still gives employers excessive power, keeping workers vulnerable.
Mixed signals in enforcement
Despite the amnesty, migrant arrests continue, creating fear and confusion.
Key Recommendations
For individuals:
- Apply without delay
- Ensure correct categorization
- Prepare passport and ticket if exiting
- Seek clarification from MoL or ROP if unsure
For employers:
- Audit workforce status
- Assist with digital applications
- Use the waiver to settle old fines
- Ensure full compliance post-amnesty
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Failure to act in time may result in:
- Resumption of daily fines (up to OMR 10/day)
- Legal actions and possible deportation
Oman’s 2025 visa fine amnesty is a critical opportunity for both migrants and employers. However, long-term reforms to the labour and immigration systems are essential to achieve a fairer and more sustainable future.
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