Oman’s state media reported on the authorities’ intention to provide long-term residence permits for foreign investors. This decision is yet another step in the country’s process of large-scale economic reforms. Having foud themselves in a precarious financial position, the leadership of one of the main countries of the Persian Gulf are trying to solve the problem of outstanding public debts this way.

Official position

National media reports indicate that the government of Oman will begin to implement this initiative as early as September this year. To obtain the right to long-term residence in the Sultanate, it is enough to be a foreign investor or retiree. However, the amount of necessary investments has not yet been announced.

Until recently, in Oman, it was possible to extend a visa for only a few years each time and only on the condition of confirmed employment. But during a period of falling oil prices, the Gulf countries are trying to keep local residents and their families from emigrating abroad. International contributions to the economy of the state will strengthen the financial position.

The UAE experience

The statement by the Omani authorities to issue a residence permit for a 5-year or 10-year period is very similar to the initiative of one of their neighboring countries. In the past few years, the UAE have been actively issuing long-term residence permits as well as citizenship to private foreign investors.

Today, experts consider Oman one of the most financially weak and unstable countries in the region. When the global oil price crash hit in 2014, the country’s debt to WFP rose from 15% to 80% last year.

As of 2020, the share of foreigners is about 42% of the total population of Oman.