inspire. empower. connect Oman SETTING UP AN OFFICE AND HIRING STAFF
KEY SUPPLIERS Setting up an Office HOW TO FIND OFFICE SPACE, OFFICE FURNITURE, AND SHORT-TERM BUSINESS CENTERS Between 2004 and 2007, the office segment in Oman witnessed a major shift from a stagnant state characterized by weak demand and lack of foreign investments to a shortage of supply spurred by the increase in the number of new companies setting up base which induced a sharp increase in commercial rents. With demand for office space outweighing supply, monthly rental rates increased from OMR2.5 per square meter (US$6.5/sqm) in 2004 to OMR 9 10 per sqm (average US$24/sqm) in 2007. Prices are now stabilizing, but still remain high. For example, 2009 commercial rents still showed a 16 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Letting agency Cuttons (www.cluttons.com/oman/index.cfm) specializes in commercial property in Oman and has extensive experience in arranging office rental for corporate clients. In addition there are a few international property search sites/property agents that offer office space for rent. Please follow links below: Search Office Space Office Broker Instant Offices www.searchofficespace.com/middle-east/ office-space/oman-serviced-offices.html www.officebroker.com/global/oman_ Muscat_office+space+to+rent_1.htm www.instantoffices.com/global/en/officesoman.aspx?source=googlerow19omaninsta ntnew Serviced Apartments and Business Centers The establishment of large numbers of foreign companies in Qatar has created new opportunities for real estate solution providers, so there are a number of options for short-term rentals, serviced offices as well as business centers. The largest company that provides short-term rentals, serviced offices as well as business centers is: Regus www.regus.com/qatar)
Serviced and Virtual Offices Serviced offices are available in Muscat to meet short-term and initial set up needs of entrepreneurs. There are dedicated websites providing information to clients looking for serviced offices. In addition, virtual offices have become popular with small businesses wanting to give the impression that they are located in an upscale area without the expense that actual prime office space demands. Office Broker Regus Move & Stay Offices www.officebroker.com/.../oman_muscat_ Office+Space+To+Rent_1.htm www.regus.com/offices/om/muscat www.moveandstay.com/muscat-business-centersbenefits.php Office Furniture The following companies sell office furniture and office supplies: Office Supplies LLC Mustafa Sultan Office Technology SARCO www.officesuppliesllc.com www.mustafasultan.com www.sarcooman.com A comprehensive list of companies offering office supplies can be found at: www.findouter.com/middleeast/oman/shopping/furniture Business and Exhibition Centers There are several hotels in Oman that have business centers equipped with fax machines, copy machines, meeting rooms and internet access, including: Radisson Blu Crowne Plaza www.radissonblu.com/hotel-muscat/location www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/mschc Additional hotels with business centers can be found here: www.tvtrip.com/muscat-hotels-amenity-business+center The main exhibition center in Oman for conferences and corporate events is: Oman International Exhibition Center www.omanexhibitions.com/
KEY SUPPLIERS Workforce HOW TO FIND WORKFORCE AND TEMPORARY STAFF Oman s poor infrastructure and weak education system translated to a shortage of qualified domestic workers, leading to an influx of foreign workers. Since 1990 the Omani government has made a distinct effort to regulate the influx of foreign employees, and has become increasingly reluctant to grant work visas and permits to foreigners in order to increase the number of local workers employed. The best way to find suitable employees is through posting jobs at some of the web portals: Arab Rec Gulfi Job Sites Naurki Hub www.arabrec.com www.gulfjobsites.com/jobsites/oman www.naukrihub.com/overseas-jobs/gulf/ oman In addition, firms providing a range of recruitment services in Oman include: SKC Management Consulting Gulf Talent Bayt www.skcmanagement.com www.gulftalent.com/home/recruitmentand-jobs-in-oman-1.html www.bayt.com Foreign and more skilled workers can be recruited through Dubai-based recruitment consultancies which also cover and serve Oman from their Dubai office. A selection of these agencies are: Oman Commercial Office NADIA www.occodubai.com www.nadia-me.com
KEY SUPPLIERS Visas and Permits HOW TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY VISAS AND PERMITS Oman was, for a long time, isolated from the rest of the world and gaining entry into the country was extremely difficult. However, it is much easier to enter Oman today, although the movement of foreigners is still tightly controlled and the issuing of visas and other permits is subject to strict bureaucratic procedures. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals can enter the Sultanate freely, while all other foreigners require visas. For any visa type the following documents are always required: 1. Passport valid for at least six months 2. At least six passport-size photographs 3. Birth certificates for all family members 4. For workers, a medical certificate showing that they are in good general health and free from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. For information on documents and procedures on getting a visa, please visit: oman.visahq.com Single Entry Visa This category covers tourists, business people, and what were previously classified as short-term visitors. Single entry visas are issued at all ports of entry in Oman. All that is required is identification and a small fee. The visa is valid for one month. Alternatively, these visas can also be obtained at Omani embassies and consulates abroad prior to a visitor s arrival. Multiple Entry Visa This visa type can also be obtained at Omani ports. Multiple entry visas are valid for a period of one year although it is only possible to stay in Oman for three weeks at a time. In addition, at least three weeks must pass between each of the visits. This visa is ideal for travelers who do frequent business in Oman, or those who frequently visit family. Employment Visa Since 1990 the Omani government has made a distinct effort to regulate the influx of foreign employees, and has become increasingly reluctant to grant work visas and permits to foreigners. When hiring workers it is also important to bear in mind that all foreigners require a local sponsor in order to visit Oman and that the employer usually acts as the sponsor. Foreigners between the ages of 21 and 60 are eligible for employment visas. In addition to the standard entry documents mentioned above, employment visa
applicants must submit: 1. Letter of invitation from their employer 2. Official work permit issued by the Omani Directorate General of Labor Certain nationalities may also be required to submit labor permits or identification from the embassy of their home country. For more information, consult an Omani embassy or consulate. The Omani Directorate General of Passports and Residence will then process the application. For information on additional required application materials and validity periods, it is best to consult the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs at: www.mofa.gov.om/mofanew/index.asp?id=108 IMPORT AND EXPORT In addition to several cooperation agreements it has signed with several countries in the world, the Sultanate of Oman signed mutual investments incentives and cooperation conventions with Germany, Egypt, France, Italy, and fiscal conventions with France, India, Jordan, Kuwait and Pakistan. On September 16, 1995 it also signed the agreement on the movement of individuals with Qatar; the same agreement was concluded with the United Arab Emirates. Import Regulations Omani customs regulations are among the most liberal compared to the other countries of the Gulf. It is necessary to obtain a prior license from the Omani Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) for the import of pork meat, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, some agricultural products, polyethylene, copper cables, electric water heater, tightness products, foam-rubber mattress, baby diapers, metallic fences, cement tiles and articles thereof, aluminum shapes, detergent products, mineral water and goods locally produced. Only companies that are listed on the Omani trade register are allowed to carry out import operations. Goods requiring after-sales service must have an Omani agent to be cleared. There are no customs surcharges and the import of samples used for business ends are duty-free. Export Regulations The commercial invoice and a certificate of origin, whose original copies must be countersigned by the Omani consular service, must accompany all shipments of goods to the Sultanate of Oman. Health certificates are necessary for fruit, vegetables, foodstuffs, and similar products. Plants and plant products, filling and packaging materials must be approved by agricultural quarantine authorities before importation to ensure that products are free from agricultural pests and that necessary conditions are provided to treat goods before they leave the exporting country. A veterinary medical certificate stating that the animals have been examined and declared fit must cover the import of live animals, meat and related products.
Procedures and Documents for Import and Export Nature of Procedures: Document preparation Customs clearance and technical control Ports and terminal handling Inland transportation and handling Document Preparation for Both Imports and Exports: Bill of lading / cargo release order Certificate of origin Commercial invoice Customs export/import declaration Export/ import license Inspection list / packing list Technical standard / health certificate Terminal handling receipts
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