Changing Jobs in Oman: Work Permit Transfer and NOC Rules

Expatriates in Oman no longer need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their old employer to change jobs once their employment contract has ended or been terminated, and the old two-year ban on rejoining the labour market was removed from 1 January 2021. While a contract is still running, however, a move is normally made through the Ministry of Labour's transfer process, which involves the current employer, so timing and paperwork still matter.

The NOC rule: what changed and what it means

Royal Oman Police Decision 157/2020 amended the executive regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law with effect from 1 January 2021. Under the amended Article 24, a foreign worker can move to a new employer without an NOC if:

• the worker shows that the previous contract has expired or been terminated;
• the new employer holds a licence to recruit non-Omani workers; and
• the new employment contract is approved by the competent authority (the Ministry of Labour).

The same change lifted the requirement to leave Oman for two years when an employer refused an NOC. Family members' residence permits can move with the worker, and the first employer remains responsible for the worker's residence matters until the transfer is completed, as the Oman Observer reported when the change was announced.

In short: completing or lawfully ending your contract is what gives you freedom to move. "No NOC" does not mean you can walk out mid-contract without consequences.

Changing jobs during your contract

If you want to move before your contract ends, the usual route is a transfer of services. The new employer submits a request through the Ministry of Labour's electronic services, the current employer reviews it, and once it is approved and any fees are paid, the Royal Oman Police updates the sponsor record. The new contract is then registered and accepted electronically. Many people agree an exit date and settlement with their current employer before the new employer applies.

Your obligations under the Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023) still apply:

• Notice: for an indefinite contract, Article 38 requires written notice of at least 30 days for monthly-paid workers (15 days for others) unless the contract provides more. The party that fails to give notice owes compensation equal to the notice period.
• Job-search time: Article 39 lets a worker serving notice take up to 10 paid hours a week to look for a new job.
• Fixed-term contracts: leaving early may expose you to a claim for breach, so read your contract and seek advice.

A newer protection: unregistered contracts

In late 2025 the Ministry of Labour announced that if a work permit is renewed but the employer does not register a valid employment contract in the ministry's system within 30 days, the expatriate worker gains the right to transfer to another employer, as reported by Gulf News in October 2025. The aim is to make employers register contracts promptly and to protect workers' rights. If you are unsure whether your contract is registered, ask HR for a copy of the registered contract or check through the ministry's services.

Temporary transfer to another company

Ministerial Decision 730/2024 regulates the temporary transfer of non-Omani workers between private-sector establishments. According to the Muscat Daily, the main conditions are:

• the worker consents and has worked at least six months with the original employer;
• the work permit is valid with at least six months remaining;
• the role is in the same job category and is not reserved for Omanis;
• both companies meet their Omanisation requirements and have no suspended services;
• the receiving company pays at least the same wage and benefits; and
• the transfer lasts no more than six months per year.

This is a secondment tool for employers, not a way to change sponsor permanently.

Step-by-step: moving to a new employer

1. Read your contract: check its type (fixed or indefinite), end date, notice period and any non-compete clause.
2. Secure a written offer from an employer licensed to hire expatriates, for a job title that is open to non-Omanis.
3. Resign or agree an exit in writing, and confirm your final working day.
4. Settle your dues: final salary, unused leave and end-of-service entitlements under your contract and the law.
5. New employer applies through the Ministry of Labour for the transfer or a new work permit.
6. Residence update: the sponsor change is completed with the Royal Oman Police; a medical check may be required.
7. Do not start working for the new company until the transfer is approved.

Fees for the transfer, contract registration, visa and medical examination are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm current amounts on the official portals; they are normally paid by the employer.

Before you resign, make sure the new offer is final and in writing, and keep copies of your resignation, the employer's acknowledgement and your final settlement. If your old employer cancels your visa before a transfer is arranged, the case may need a new work permit instead of a transfer, so agree the sequence of steps with both employers in advance.

Things that can block a move

Issue	Why it matters
Job title reserved for Omanis	No work permit can be issued to an expatriate for that title
Missing professional accreditation	Engineers and many finance roles need sector certification to obtain a permit
Labour dispute or absence report	Must be resolved through the ministry or courts before a normal transfer
Unpaid fines or fees on the file	Can hold up approval until settled
Expired passport or residence card	Needed for the sponsor change

If you have a dispute about wages or termination, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour, which attempts an amicable settlement before the case can go to court.

Key takeaways

• No NOC is needed to change employers after your contract has expired or been terminated (ROP Decision 157/2020, effective 1 January 2021).
• Moving mid-contract goes through the Ministry of Labour transfer process involving your current employer.
• Respect the notice period in Article 38 and use your job-search hours under Article 39.
• If your renewed permit has no registered contract after 30 days, you may be entitled to transfer.
• Check the new job title is open to expats, then browse current vacancies and set a job alert.