Expatriates return to Oman in limbo after tightening of two-year visa ban rule

Read also: ‘NOC doesn’t guarantee return to Oman’ ROP official re-affirms
Muscat: Tightening of two-year visa ban rule has put expatriates in limbo who have already left for their home country with a No Objection certificate (NOC) in the hope of returning to Oman.
“I left last week only. I have an NOC from the previous employer. Now, I have heard that the new employer is facing hurdles in getting a fresh job visa for me. First request has been rejected by the immigration officials. As I was of returning to Oman, I didn’t vacate my rented house and sold my car. I am confused on what to do,” Rajesh V, an Indian expat, told Times of Oman from India.
“Today after reading Times of Oman online, I contacted the HR department of the new company. They confirmed that they are facing some problems in processing my visa. However, they are hopeful and have assured me that they will try their best,” Rajesh added.
A couple of public relation officials from different companies confirmed to TOO on Monday that their request for fresh job visa for expats were rejected even though they had the NOCs.
On Tuesday too, a company official said that two of their requests were rejected by the immigration officials.
“We had applied for two visas with NOCs. They are supposed to come on senior positions in the company. However, they got rejected at the first go. We will try again. They are needed in our company,” the official who didn’t wanted to be named, said.
Meanwhile, another Indian manager said that he was surprised to hear the news.
“I have worked in Oman for more than three decades. As I got a good offer in another company, I planned to join that company. My old employer provided me an NOC. Now, I am hearing that the new company is facing hurdles. Hope, it gets sorted out soon. My family is staying back in Oman,” the manager told Times from India.
Another expatriate businessman said that he too has an NOC but under the present situation, returning to Oman is doubtful.
“I don’t know how to come back. My company officials are facing hurdles. However, they have assured me of a solution and if not, will inform me soon. If the visa option doesn’t work, I will go to Dubai and visit Oman on a visit visa for business,” Sreenath Anu, said.