Oman to Relax Visa Requirements. Oman is preparing to relax visa requirements for Pakistani workers, a move expected to open new employment opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The development follows high-level talks in Muscat between senior officials from Pakistan and Oman, focusing on labor mobility, visa facilitation, and regional cooperation.
High-Level Meeting in Muscat
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Oman’s Royal Minister General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani in Muscat on Thursday. The meeting aimed to explore ways to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Oman, with a strong focus on easing visa-related challenges faced by Pakistani nationals living and working in Oman.
Both leaders reviewed the current state of Pakistan–Oman relations and discussed practical steps to address long-standing concerns around visa processing, documentation requirements, and work permits.
Visa Challenges Faced by Pakistani Workers
Pakistani workers form a significant part of Oman’s expatriate workforce, particularly in sectors such as construction, transport, hospitality, healthcare, and technical services. However, many workers have faced:
- Lengthy visa processing times
- Strict documentation requirements
- Delays in work permit approvals
- Limited access to skilled worker visas
These issues have often restricted employment opportunities for qualified Pakistani professionals, despite strong demand in the Omani labor market.
Oman Plan to Ease Visa Procedures
During the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stressed that simplifying visa procedures would benefit both countries. Easier access to work visas would allow skilled Pakistani professionals to contribute to Oman’s economy while supporting Pakistan through remittances and overseas employment.
Omani officials acknowledged these concerns and showed openness to reviewing existing visa frameworks. While specific policy changes have not yet been formally announced, both sides agreed to continue coordination at the technical and ministerial levels.
Opportunities for Skilled Pakistani Professionals
Relaxed visa requirements could create new opportunities for Pakistani workers in areas such as:
- Engineering and construction
- Information technology
- Healthcare and nursing
- Skilled trades and technical services
- Logistics and transport
For Pakistani professionals, Oman remains an attractive destination due to competitive wages, tax advantages, and geographic proximity.
Strengthening Pakistan–Oman Bilateral Relations
Beyond labor mobility, the meeting also covered broader regional and diplomatic issues. Both leaders exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation on security, migration management, and economic development.
Improved visa policies are seen as a key step toward deepening people-to-people ties and enhancing trust between the two nations.
Why This Matters
Easing visa rules for Pakistani workers could have long-term benefits, including:
- Increased overseas employment for Pakistanis
- Higher remittance inflows to Pakistan
- Addressing skill shortages in Oman
- Stronger diplomatic and economic ties
For thousands of Pakistani job seekers, this development signals a positive shift toward more accessible and transparent migration pathways.
Conclusion
Oman intention to relax visa requirements for Pakistani workers marks an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation. The discussions between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Royal Minister Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani highlight a shared understanding of the economic and social value of skilled migration.
