SOHAR workforce planning starts with the project roles, not a promised visa quota. The company needs to align activity, profession, work permits, visas, Omanisation and practical accommodation/transport.
For the wider SOHAR context, use the SOHAR Freezone Investor Guide.
1. Separate permit, visa and workforce planning
| Layer | Main question |
|---|---|
| Workforce plan | Which roles, skills and headcount does the project actually need? |
| Profession/Omanisation | Can each role be filled by an expatriate under the current rules? |
| Work permit | Which labour/zone approval applies? |
| Work visa | What ROP immigration process follows the permit? |
| Accommodation/transport | How will the team reach and operate the site safely? |
2. SOHAR One-Stop Shop assists with work permits and visas
SOHAR’s current One-Stop Shop lists work permits and visas among its investor services. This helps coordinate the process, but it should not be described as automatic approval of every profession or headcount.
The national planning framework is explained in Visas, Omanisation and Workforce Planning in Oman Free Zones.
3. Current law uses a fast zone permit framework
Royal Decree 38/2025 provides an accelerated process for permits for non-Omani workers inside zones, coordinated with the Ministry of Labour. The law sets a five-working-day decision period for that permit process, subject to the legal conditions.
Do not convert that timeframe into a guaranteed visa or guaranteed profession approval. The Ministry of Labour activity/profession rules and Royal Oman Police visa process remain relevant.
4. Do not publish one universal SOHAR Omanisation percentage
Older SOHAR material and current marketing pages still show legacy Omanisation percentages connected to older tax-benefit structures. The 2025/2026 unified zone law has changed the tax framework, and the Ministry of Labour maintains live activity/profession controls.
For a new/current project, check the live Ministry and SOHAR position instead of using an old percentage as a universal rule.
5. Build the role matrix
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Role | Warehouse supervisor, machine operator, engineer, accountant. |
| Project phase | Construction, commissioning or permanent operations. |
| Profession status | Allowed/restricted/current Ministry check. |
| Qualification | Degree, trade certificate or regulator approval. |
| Nationality plan | Omani, expatriate specialist or mixed. |
| Start date | When the worker is needed on site. |
| Accommodation | Local housing, staff accommodation or project camp. |
| Transport | Normal commute, shift bus or site shuttle. |
6. Regulated professions need external approval
Healthcare, engineering, education and other regulated roles can need qualification recognition or competent-authority approval in addition to labour/visa processing.
7. Accommodation and transport are operational costs
SOHAR is close to an established city, but large industrial or shift-based projects still need a practical plan for housing, staff buses, emergency access, medical support and shift timing.
- number of workers by shift;
- distance from housing to site;
- transport frequency;
- contractor accommodation responsibility;
- fire/health standards for staff accommodation;
- temporary construction versus permanent operating workforce.
8. Frequently asked questions
Does SOHAR issue visas?
SOHAR’s One-Stop Shop assists with visa processes. The applicable labour and immigration approvals still need to be satisfied.
Is there a fixed visa quota for every SOHAR company?
Do not assume one. Headcount and professions depend on the current project and labour rules.
What is the SOHAR Omanisation percentage?
Do not use one old percentage as a universal current rule. Check the live Ministry of Labour and SOHAR requirements for the actual activity and profession mix.
Does a five-working-day permit rule mean the visa is issued in five days?
No. The Article 13 permit process and the ROP work-visa process are separate.
Do employees need to live inside SOHAR?
Not generally as a blanket rule. Accommodation should match the project, shifts and any applicable safety/contract requirements.
9. Official sources
- SOHAR One-Stop Shop: work permits and visa services
- Royal Decree 38/2025: zone worker-permit framework
- Ministry of Labour: live activity and profession inquiry
- Gov.om: work visa
Official public information reviewed on October 2, 2026. Confirm the current activity, profession, Omanisation, permit and visa requirements before recruitment.
