9 months ago

Oman Suspends Foreign Investment Licences For Residents With Limited Skills

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has announced the suspension of foreign investment licence applications for expats with limited skills. However, skilled professionals working in companies are still allowed to apply, provided they meet the necessary conditions. The move comes to reduce the number of fake foreign investment licence applications. “As part of the measures taken by the Investment Services Centre to address fake foreign investment licence applications, and in continuation of the steps taken in recent months regarding the suspension of licences for residents with special individual licences, the Centre announces the suspension of licence applications for expats with limited-skilled professions, as stipulated in the Ministry of Labour’s classification for private sector establishments. Skilled professionals working in companies may still apply for a licence, subject to approval from the company owner and proof of the applicant’s financial solvency,” the ministry said in a statement. This move follows previous measures implemented over the past months, which included halting applications from residents with special licenses for individual professions. The Investment Services Center emphasised that these steps are intended to enhance economic activity and improve the overall investment climate and business environment in Oman. The Ministry expressed gratitude for the […]

9 months ago

Oman Air Launches First Direct Flights Between Muscat And Rome

Oman Air has made its most significant new route announcement in the last five years with the launch of flights between Rome and Muscat. Starting 20 December 2024, the airline will operate four weekly flights, offering the first-ever direct connection between Rome and the Omani capital city, while also providing seamless connectivity across its expansive network, including the Far East, GCC, Indian Subcontinent and more. With one-way fares starting from just EUR 150, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations while experiencing Oman Air’s award-winning service and signature Omani hospitality. “Our new direct service between Rome and Muscat represents an exciting step in our growth. Marking our second destination in Italy, [the first being Milan], this key route not only enhances our footprint in Europe, but also marks the start of our strategy to maximise the utilisation of our narrow-body fleet,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to introduce the beautiful city of Muscat to a whole new market, as well as offer seamless and convenient access to destinations beyond.” Guests can fly with Oman Air from Rome to Muscat on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The outbound flight departs from Rome at 2030 and […]

9 months ago

Oman: Two Arrested For Deliberately Setting Vehicle On Fire

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) have arrested two individuals for intentionally setting fire to a vehicle in the Sultanate. In a statement, the ROP said the South Al Batinah Governorate Police Command apprehended the suspects in the Wilayat of Rustaq. The police also shared a screenshot of the burned car on its social media account. The ROP confirmed that legal proceedings are being completed against the individuals Furthermore, on Sunday, the Muscat Governorate Police Command apprehended five individuals involved in a series of thefts across the governorate. The suspects were arrested for stealing phones, electronic devices, and cash from various shops. In another incident, an individual was detained for stealing money from multiple shops in the wilayats of Saham and Al Khabourah, located in the North Al Batinah Governorate. According to the ROP’s social media, the North Al Batinah Police Command arrested a citizen involved in five thefts from various shops in the area. Legal procedures are also being completed against the suspects.

9 months ago

One Arrested for Stealing Money From Several Shops in Oman

A person has been arrested by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) for stealing money from several shops in the wilayats of Saham and Al Khabourah, in North Al Batinah Governorate. In a statement, the ROP said: “The North Al Batinah Governorate Police Command has arrested a citizen for committing five thefts from various shops in the wilayats of Saham and Al Khabourah. Legal procedures are being completed against him.”

9 months ago

Oman: Coast Guard Police Foil Illegal Exit Attempt By 13 Expats

The Coast Guard Police, in coordination with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), successfully thwarted an attempt by 13 expatriates to illegally exit the country. In an official statement, the Royal Oman Police said that the Coast Guard Police, led by the North Al Batinah Governorate Police, intercepted the group, all of whom are of Asian nationality. The individuals were apprehended as they attempted to leave Oman through unauthorised means. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the detained individuals.

9 months ago

Oman: Annual Camel Races For The Season Kick Off In Al Dakhiliyah

The first leg of the annual local camel races for the 2024/2025 season, organised by the Oman Camel Racing Federation, kicked off today at Al-Bashir Camel Race Track in the Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and will continue for three days. Today’s race witnessed the holding of 18 rounds for the category of Hajjaj, including 12 rounds for young camels and 6 rounds for Jaadan for a distance of “3” kilometers with the participation of about 650 camels and Jaadan from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The results were as follows: In the first round, /Tamweel/ came in first place for its owner Imad Al-Junaibi. In the second round, /Shaheen/ came in first place for its owner Badr Al-Junaibi. In the third round, /Malfat/ came in first place for its owner Saeed Al-Jahhafi. In the fourth round, /Midhiyar/ came in first place for its owner Muslim Al-Durai. In the fifth round, /Tharwa/ came in first place for its owner Nasser Al-Durai. In the sixth round, /Ghazi/ came in first place for its owner Nasser Al-Durai. In the seventh round, /Al-Reef/ came in first place for its owner Saeed Al-Wahaibi. In the eighth round, /Al-Dhabi/ came in […]

9 months ago

SalamAir Temporarily Cancels Flights to and From Iran

Flights to/from Iran on 2nd and 3rd October 2024 have been cancelled due to the current situation, SalamAir said. The airline said in a statement :”SalamAir flights to/from Iran on the 2nd and 3rd of October 2024 have been cancelled due to the current situation and the closure of Iran’s airports.” “We understand the inconvenience this may cause to our passengers, and we are diligently working to provide the best travel options and extend the necessary support.” “We will contact all affected passengers to discuss their travel options. Additionally, our customers can reach us 24/7 via +96824272222 or email us at customercare@salamair.com,” the statement added SalamAir appreciates your understanding and apologises for the disruption to your travel plans due to this unforeseen event.

9 months ago

Oman Imposes Income Tax On High Earners

Oman to introduce a personal income tax for high earners after 2026, as reported in a recent report. In July, the Majlis Al Shura, the lower house of the Omani parliament, approved a draft income tax law, the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, sending it to the State Council, the upper house, for final approval. Currently, there is no income tax for Omani citizens or expatriate residents. Under the proposed tax brackets, foreign nationals earning over $100,000 (Dh367,000) in Oman would be taxed at a rate of 5 to 9 per cent, while Omani citizens would face a 5 per cent tax on global income exceeding $1 million (Dh3.67 million). Gulf states have already implemented various tax measures to support development and decrease dependence on oil and gas revenues. Oman’s existing tax framework includes corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and excise tax. The government plans to concentrate on enhancing corporate tax administration and collection instead of increasing the 5 per cent VAT rate or government fees to boost non-hydrocarbon revenue.

9 months ago

Group Arrested For For Violating Labour, Residence Laws In Oman

A group of foreigners have been arrested for for violating the labour and residence laws for foreigners in the Wilayat of Suwaiq, North Al Batinah Governorate. A statement issued online by Royal Oman Police (ROP), said :”North Al Batinah Governorate Police Command arrested a group of people of African and Asian nationalities in the Wilayat of Suwaiq for violating the labour and residence laws for foreigners, and legal procedures are being completed against them.”

9 months ago

Oman Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt In Salalah International Airport

Oman Customs has foiled an attempt to smuggle illegal 12 kilograms of marijuana in Salalah International Airport. A statement issued online by Oman Customs said :”Salalah International Airport Customs thwarts an African passenger’s attempt to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana, which was tightly wrapped among his personal luggage.”

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