Residence Card validity increased: There has been a major change in the rules for foreign nationals and workers living in Oman. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has extended the validity of expatriate residence cards. These cards are now valid for a maximum of 10 years, compared to the previous limit of only three. This decision has provided significant stability to those working there and relieved them of the hassle of frequent renewals. This rule has come into effect.
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How much will it cost and what is the new order?
Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, issued the decision in this regard. According to the new regulations, the fees for issuing or renewing a residence card have been made very clear.
Annual Fee: The fee for a residence card will be 5 OMR (Omani Rials) per year.
10-Year Fee: If a person obtains a card for a full 10 years, they will have to pay a maximum of 50 OMR.
Replacement Fee: If the card is lost or damaged, a fee of 20 OMR will be charged for a replacement.
What has changed regarding renewal and the old rules?
This change directly benefits millions of expatriates living there, including a large number of Indians. According to the rules, the card must be renewed within 30 days of its expiration date. The validity period of the residence card is now determined by different categories, as determined by the Director General of the Department.
Furthermore, there has been no change in the fee for personal ID cards for Oman’s own citizens. The fee remains 10 OMR with a validity of 10 years. This government move has been taken to simplify the lives of expatriates and streamline the process of staying in the country.
