Residents » Documents » Labour Card

The old labour card, issued by the Labour Department, is a legal document certifying the employment status of an individual. To work in Oman, you have to have valid labour clearance, which should be renewed every two years. You can only apply for your labour clearance once you have residency. If your employer is arranging your residency, your labour clearance should be processed directly after your residency has been approved. If you are on family residency and decide to work, your employer (not your visa sponsor) will need to apply for your labour clearance. Your sponsor should supply an NOC. Women on their husband’s or father’s sponsorship are not allowed to work unless they have a work visa.

In 2005 the government began a phasing out process, replacing labour cards with resident cards. The resident card uses biometric recognition and is multi-functional, holding personal details, driving licence, and emergency medical information. It can be used for electronic validation at immigration checkpoints, and can even serve as an electronic cash card for transactions at government organisations.

Cards are issued by the Directorate General of Civil Status. You will need a completed application form, passport, medical certificate, labour clearance from the Ministry of Manpower (private sector workers) and two photographs. Non-working residents (family members) need a completed application form, passport, birth certificate, medical certificate and two photographs. Further information can be requested from the Directorate General of Civil Status, located on the Seeb Airport Roundabout.