On this page, we will explain how to apply for a Family Joining Visa for Oman, the restrictions, the eligibility rules, and how to apply. For expert assistance with your immigration matter, contact Reiss Edwards, immigration lawyers and solicitors in London.
Tucked away on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, Oman has a great deal to offer migrant workers and their family members from around the world. While it may appear to be a small country, Oman is, in fact, nearly 30% larger than the UK but has a population of only five million. As the oldest independent state in the Arab region, Oman has a rich blend of cultures from east and west and is known for its terraced orchards, fortresses, ancient mosques, rolling sand dunes, and vibrant culture. In the Sultanate of Oman, visas are administered and issued by the immigration department of the Royal Oman Police service. On this page, we will explain how to apply for a Family Joining Visa for Oman, the restrictions, the eligibility rules, and how to apply.
Yes, Omani Family Joining Visas are granted to the spouse and children (those under the age of 21) of expatriate employee’s working in Oman on an employment visa.
In addition, the Family Joining Visa can be issued to the foreign wife of an Omani citizen. Under this latter immigration route, it is the Omani citizen who must formally request permission for his overseas wife to join him in Oman. In order to gain the necessary permission, a certificate that officially recognises/validates the marriage must be provided by the Omani Ministry of Interior.
Omani Family Joining Visas are intended to enable long stays in the country. They are typically granted for up to two years from the date the person’s passport is stamped. If granted a multiple entry visa, it is possible to leave and re-enter Oman without restriction while the visa remains valid.
In order to make a successful application for an Omani Family Joining Visa, the following requirements must be met:
The rules also state that where the foreign wife of an Omani citizen is applying for a Family Joining Visa, marriage documents must be provided (see below for a list of all documents which will be required).
Several documents are required to apply for a Family Joining Visa, including:
To apply for an Omani Family Joining Visa, the following steps will need to be followed:
Yes, a Family Joining Visa for Oman can be extended, but only as long as the main employment visa holder is still working in the country (and holds a valid visa), and the family members are living with that person. Renewal applications can only be completed from within the Sultanate of Oman. To renew your Family Joining Visa, you will need to visit your local immigration department of the Royal Oman Police to complete the application process and pay the required renewal fee for your visa/residence permit.
It is also important to note that applications for renewal must be made before the current visa expires. Failure to do so may lead to a fine of 50 RO being levied.
If you are unsure if a Family Joining Visa is required given your circumstances, or if you need assistance with renewing or switching your visa, speak to an immigration lawyer who specialises in Omani immigration law.
