TL;DR:
Oman ’s grace period for visa and residency expiry ends on July 31, 2025. Eligible expatriates may renew or transfer visas without paying any fines..
- Others planning to exit Oman permanently with expired non-work visas can also do so without penalties.
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Royal Oman Police (ROP) has upgraded its systems and clarified the scope—the exemption applies only to cases formally rectified through the Ministry. - Affected individuals and employers must act before the deadline to avoid automatic fines or legal action.
As of July 31, 2025, a deadline looms large for expatriates in Oman: the end of the visa and residency renewal grace period, which waives fines for those overstaying their permits. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Labour jointly announced that eligible foreign visitors and workers can either renew their status or exit the country without facing financial penalties, provided they initiate the process before the deadline and comply with stated conditions. After July 31, the exemption ends and regular fines and legal processes resume.
What’s Covered: The Rectification Scheme Explained
The grace period applies to two main groups:
- Expats renewing residency or transferring jobs within Oman. They can rectify expired work permits or residency cards without paying accumulated fines, as long as their status is regularised through the Ministry of Labour.
- Individuals exiting Oman permanently under non-work visas. These visitors may depart without fines if their visa status is confirmed and they are not subject to criminal proceedings.
- What Happens After July 31
Once the grace period ends, any foreigner whose visa or residence permit is still expired and has not rectified their status through official channels becomes liable for daily overstay fines, potential deportation, and travel bans. Those intending to work or remain in Oman must apply through proper Ministry procedures before the deadline.
How It Works
- Applicants submit their case through the Ministry of Labour’s online system.
- Status verification occurs within approximately one week.
- Once approved, fines are waived and the individual may renew, transfer jobs, or depart without outstanding financial obligations.
- Applications are processed via ROP and Ministry systems, which were upgraded specifically for this campaign.
Official Advisories from Authorities
ROP has publicly confirmed the fine waivers and urged eligible individuals and companies to act before the July 31 cut-off. Officials stressed that the amnesty is limited strictly to the outlined categories and does not apply to those involved in criminal violations. Muscat’s labour authorities confirmed that the amnesty is part of a broader workforce regulation initiative. Starting February 1, 2025, employers and workers have a six-month window to settle expired permits, update worker records, or terminate employment under acceptable terms—without accumulating penalties.
Why the Amnesty Matters Now
This initiative is part of Oman’s continuing efforts to redress irregular immigration status and rein in illegal residency. By waiving penalties, authorities aim to reduce undocumented labour and streamline legal employment flows.
- Market Regulation & Efficiency
The program encourages commercial compliance and helps employers clear backlog issues. It is a follow-through from broader regulatory revisions implemented in late 2024 and early 2025 to stabilise the labour market.
Who Should Act and How
- Expired work permit holders planning to stay and renew or transfer must apply via Ministry portals before July 31.
- Overstayers not seeking to remain should apply to exit Oman and finalize departure procedures before the deadline.
- Employers should actively support affected staff, especially long-term overstays to comply with Ministry conditions and avoid post-deadline fines.
- Applicants must not have any pending criminal cases; if so, they are excluded from the waivers.
This grace period lasting until Thursday, July 31, 2025 represents a rare opportunity for expatriates and businesses in Oman to correct immigration status without facing financial or legal penalties. Beyond superficial compliance, authorities are using this window to reassert administrative order in their labour environment. Failing to act before the deadline will result in automatic overstay fines, which resume daily after expiry. Authorities emphasize that systems are now upgraded to support processing, but once the deadline passes, fines will be automatic and exemptions unavailable. For anyone living, working, or exiting Oman with expired visas, the message is clear: take action before the end of July to avoid penalties.
