To move to Oman from the UK you will need a visa. There are many different visas available, depending on the duration of your stay in Oman and the purpose of your visit. Short-term visas, suitable for business trips or tourism, are unsponsored, but if you’re planning on staying for an extended period – to work, live or invest – you will need to prove you are being sponsored by a private Omani organisation or individual as part of your application.

It’s important that you familiarise yourself with all your options before deciding which visa is right for you.

Finding Work as An Expat in Oman

With a rapidly developing economy and booming tourism, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing industries, it’s easy to see why Oman is an attractive option for many expats. However, finding a job once you’re already there can be challenging, particularly without contacts or prior Omani work experience.

The best way to get a job in Oman is to secure one before you land. And there are plenty of jobs choose from, especially in the medical, IT and engineering sectors.

To work in Oman, you will need a work visa. To be eligible to apply for one, you must be between 21 and 60-years-old and a foreign citizen with a confirmed employment offer from an Omani company who will act as your sponsor. Keep in mind that work permits are only valid for two years and renewing them requires additional paperwork and therefore some considerable forward planning.

The average salary in Oman is 1,770 OMR (£3779,27) per month; however, salaries vary drastically between different sectors (2023). To get an idea, the conversion rate of GBP to the Oman Rial is £1 equivalent to 0,47 ﷼.

The standard work week consists of 8 hours per day, or 48 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday. Employees are entitled to a minimum of 12 days of paid annual leave each year, regardless of their salary or position. However, the number of paid annual leave days may be higher depending on certain factors, like how long you have been with your employer.

Cost of Living in Oman

The cost of living in Oman is relatively low compared to the UK; however, it can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Basic expenses such as groceries, housing, and transportation are significantly cheaper in Oman, while luxury goods and services can be more expensive. The table below table shows a range of basic living costs and the UK comparison.

Expense	Oman Average (﷼)	Oman Average (£)	UK Average (£)
Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment	212 ﷼	£453	£900
Monthly rent for a three-bedroom home	398 ﷼	£850	£1,600
Nursery fees per month	73 ﷼	£155	£931
International school fees per year	2,518 ﷼	£5,384	£13,616
Monthly gym membership	19 ﷼	£40	£31
Monthly public transport pass	20 ﷼	£42	£65
Bottle of milk	0.71 ﷼	£1.52	£1
Loaf of bread	0.40 ﷼	£0.91	£1.02
Cup of coffee	1.79 ﷼	£4	£3
Meal for two	11 ﷼	£24	£55

Data sourced from Numbeo (2023)

Culture in Oman

Oman is country rich in heritage and Omani culture is as vibrant and contemporary as it is steeped in history. The country is strongly influenced by Islam, so it is important to respect local customs and traditions. This includes dressing conservatively, avoiding public displays of affection, and being mindful of local customs when visiting places of worship. Friday is the weekly day of prayer and is considered a day of rest.

The official language of Oman is Arabic. Though many people speak English as well, it’s useful to learn basic Arabic phrases, as this will show respect for the local culture and make communication easier. Oman has a number of flavourful dishes to try such as Mishkak, also known as a kabab.

Fun Fact: Dates are an integral part of Omani culture. They are a sign of hospitality and are served both as a welcome and after every meal. Oman has more than 250 indigenous varieties of dates, and is ranked among the top 10 date producers in the world (in 2021).

Education In Oman for Expat Families

There are several international schools in Oman, with the majority being in Muscat. Some of the most well-known international schools following the UK National Curriculum include:

The British School Muscat

The British School Muscat is the leading British school in Oman. It is the only non-profit British school in Muscat providing excellent quality education to children aged 3-18 and has been in existence for more than 50 years (in 2023). They offer an extensive variety of extracurricular activities allowing learners to pursue and explore their individual interests and talents.

The Al Shomoukh International School

The Al Shomoukh International School is a reputable co-educational school with English as the language of instruction. However, there are additional language classes offered by the school in Arabic, and French. Children between the ages of 3 and 18 can attend. The school offers dedicated programmes for both students with special learning needs as well as gifted, able, and talented students.

The Cheltenham Muscat

The Cheltenham Muscat is a premium British school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. It was founded by Cheltenham College, one of the UK’s finest schools. The school offers a blended in-school teaching approach with an innovative virtual-learning platform. A distinctive feature of the school is that specialist teaching is available for all subjects and for students of all ages starting from Grade 4.

Healthcare in Oman

Oman has a high-quality healthcare system that provides a range of services to both citizens and foreign visitors. It is one of only a few countries in the Middle East where primary public health care is free for everyone, though expatriates typically seek medical care in private clinics and hospitals.

Private facilities can be expensive but often provide high-quality care and have shorter waiting times than public institutions. It is important to have comprehensive health insurance for non-essential treatments and medications.

There are several companies offering health insurance policies tailored towards expats. When looking for a suitable insurance plan, make sure it covers a range of healthcare needs, including optical and dental, mental health, and emergency care.

In Conclusion

Moving from the UK to Oman can be an exciting adventure! However, it pays to do your homework first. By making sure that your visa and job are taken care of before you arrive, you make it easier for yourself to find your feet abroad.

Speak to AGS Movers UK if you need help moving to Oman. Our skilled and versatile team can provide you with a customised moving experience that will guide you through each step of your relocation.

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The Central Plateau, known for its plains, rolling hills, and large lakes, is the most populous region, comprising 31% of the country. The south is dominated by the imposing Swiss Alps, while the north is home to the Jura, a sub-alpine mountain range that spans 11% of the country. Across these distinct regions, you will find four national languages: French, German, Italian, and Rumantsch.

Switzerland boasts a prosperous and modern market economy, with among the highest standards of living in the world. This is evident in the high GDP per capita, exceptional healthcare, and an effective social security system that ensures nobody is left behind. In addition, Switzerland offers high-paying jobs, efficient public transport, and a remarkably clean and safe environment. However, living there can be expensive, and certain costs may come as a surprise.

Top Five Swiss Cities to Live In

Geneva

French-speaking Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland, with close cultural and geographic ties to France. It is a financial hub and the European headquarters of several multinational organisations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organisation. Home to a vast number of international companies in various industries, there are also a variety of jobs in Geneva. The city has 18 international schools, of which 17 have English as the language of instruction (2023). These include the Institut International de Lancy, the International School of Geneva and Collège du Léman.

Living in this Swiss city is luxurious in every sense of the word, however, with the high standard of living comes a high cost. Considered pricey even by Swiss standards, the cost of living in Geneva is around 12% more expensive than London (2023). The following table compares basic costs between the two cities.

Accommodation	GENEVA	LONDON
One-bedroom Apartment	£1 778,69	£1 829,35
Three-bedroom Family Home	£3 781,45	£3 618,22
Transportation
Monthly Pass	£62,74	£153,00
Food
1 Litre Milk	£1,40	£1,12
1kg Chicken Fillets	£18,98	£6,69
McMeal from McDonalds	£13,44	£7,00
Lunch for 2 (3 Course, mid-range Restaurant)	£98,54	£65,00
Education
Kindergarten Per Year (Private)	£22 098,18	£18 401,88
Primary School Per Year (International)	£21 829,40	£17 933,33
Income
Average Monthly Salary After Tax	£5 027,97	£2 546,24

If Geneva is your city of choice, there are some administrative procedures you’ll be expected to complete when you arrive. You can find them here.

Fun Fact: The largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Geneva (also known as Lac Léman), fringes the city of Geneva.

Bern

If you’re looking for a new place to call home, Bern is another excellent candidate. This German-speaking city, the capital of Switzerland, has something for everyone, regardless of age or background. Although it’s 4.4% more expensive than London (2023), you’ll find its charm and amenities make it worth the cost. Bern is home to the national parliament and has an extensive public transport system and an abundance of job opportunities, attracting many foreigners, who account for more than 30% of the population. When you need a break, there are numerous cafes, museums, and scenic views to enjoy. Plus, Bern’s beautifully preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, worth exploring again and again.

Fun Fact: Due to its numerous public fountains, Bern is commonly referred to as the “City of Fountains.”

Zürich

As Switzerland’s largest city, with an estimated population of 1.5 million (2023), Zurich is not only a cosmopolitan hub in the centre of this picturesque country, but also a globally ranked financial centre. And although the cost of living in Zürich is around 13% higher than in London, the city provides a high quality of living to justify the expense.

Swiss German is the local language, but English-speaking jobs are plentiful and those with Swiss employment contracts enjoy four to five weeks paid leave per year. Additionally, parents have many English-speaking international schools to choose from, including the Zurich International School, the International School of Central Switzerland, and the Inter-Community School, which offer education for children from ages 3-18. For outdoor lovers, the Swiss Alps are a short hour away, offering endless opportunities to experience nature.

Fun Fact: Zurich has been ranked as “the city with the best quality of life” for over fifteen consecutive years by Mercer.

Basel

Situated on the Swiss border with Germany and France, Basel provides easy access to best that all three countries have to offer. An ancient city full of historic buildings, art galleries and annual festivals, it is no surprise that young professionals from everywhere flock to this vibrant city with plentiful job opportunities. However, depending on your budget and lifestyle, the cost of living in Basel could be expensive – 5% more expensive than London (2023). International schools here are similarly costly – around £27000 per year (2023). Your options for English-speaking international schools in Basel include the SIS Swiss International School Basel, International School Basel and Academia International School Basel.

Fun Fact: Each February, Basel hosts one of Europe’s largest carnivals, Fasnacht, which celebrates Swiss culture with costumes, colourful parades, and music.

Lausanne

Located at the centre of western Europe is the French-speaking city of Lausanne. As the historic birthplace of the chocolate industry, it offers an astounding array of confectionary, enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. Lausanne is also the most affordable of the five cities featured in this article, only  4% more expensive than London (2023). A large student body gives this bustling metropolis an upbeat and youthful feel. However, Lausanne has so much more to offer than just universities. Residents have their pick of museums, cafés, and bars, while the 500m altitude provides breath-taking views of Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Indeed, Lausanne provides the rare combination of modern amenities and old charm set against a spectacular backdrop.

Fun Fact: The Swiss Federal Supreme Court and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are located in Lausanne.

If you need help moving to Switzerland, contact AGS Movers. Our team is experienced in every aspect of international moving, from packing to customs clearance, and can offer you a tailored and stress-free move.

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We are pleased to announce that our Parisian branch recently renewed its ISO 14001:2015 certification. The ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally recognised standard for effective environmental management. Through a series of requirements, it provides a framework within which we as a branch can continue to improve our environmental performance.

This renewal is the result of the unstinting work by the team at AGS Paris, the flagship branch of the Mobilitas Group.

“I am pleased that AGS Paris has retained this certification on their already significant list of accomplishments,” commented AGS Group CEO Cédric Castro. “One of the AGS Group’s key principles has always been to grow sustainable business through environmentally friendly practices, and the successful renewal of this certification is another way in which we are able to put our principles into effect.”

The AGS Mobilitas Group has made a quantifiable impact worldwide through our partnership with the Planète Urgence NGO, which was formed in 2009 (https://planete-urgence.org).

As part of this agreement (one international move = one tree), over 240 000 trees have been planted in the last 10 years in Mali, Haiti, Indonesia and Madagascar, on behalf of our customers.

AGS Paris has long been a pioneer for the AGS Group in implementing environmentally-friendly processes to reduce greenhouse emissions.

In addition to the ISO 14001 certification, AGS Paris also holds the following certifications and accreditations:

• ISO 9001:2015, for quality management
• ISO 27001:2013, for confidentiality, integrity and availability of information as well as legal compliance
• FIDI FAIM and FAIM Plus, specific to the moving industry, developed by the International Federation of International Movers (FIDI) to assess the quality of the work supplied by a mover
• NG Storage, a French standard that guarantees quality and reliability of storage service
• Authorized Economic Operator, a European standard whose aim is to facilitate trade and better secure the flow of goods entering and leaving the European Union

AGS Paris is also a member of IAM (International Association of Movers), FIDI and LACMA. Our partnership with the members of these three international moving associations gives us access to a global network of partners and allows us to offer an excellent service to our clients, wherever they are in the world.

14^th Printemps des Auteurs (Author’s Spring)

The “Printemps des Auteurs” aims to highlight Caribbean literature and was organised by the Bitasyon Lyannaj Kréyol association from Villiers-le-Bel. The event, which took place on Saturday, 16 March 2019, marked the 14th edition of the event and allowed the general public to meet at least a dozen Caribbean authors. Two of the most notable authors at the event included Corinne Mencé-Caster, writer and university lecturer in Hispanic Linguistics and Translation Studies at Paris-Sorbonne University, and Serge Bilé, a journalist at Martinique la Première, who directs documentaries on black history. The day ended with a conference-debate on the status of women and persistent inequalities between men and women.

The Madras Fashion Show

The Mallees Niotaerc association organised a fashion show honouring the madras, a colourful checked fabric, emblematic of Creole fashion. The event took place on Saturday, 30 March 2019 for the second consecutive year.

Previously used for women’s outfits during traditional ceremonies, the madras is nowadays worn by local market traders. Young designers use this piece of heritage to enhance and preserve it, ensuring it passes onto the next generations.

Five stylists represented their conception of a magical world under this year’s theme, a fairy tale. The madras dominated the designs and offered the public a firework of colours and materials.

AGS Paris is proud to sponsor the Mallees Niotaerc association, which allows creators to publicise their work while simultaneously promoting Caribbean culture.

The Rencontres de la Mobilité internationale has been an annual reference event for Human Resources executives since 2008. Thirty speakers and more than 300 international HR decision-makers convened to talk, learn and stay informed on all topics related to mobility.

Plenary conferences

This year, two plenary conferences permitted outstanding personalities to share their vision on prospective topics. The first conference gave the floor to the writer, international reporter, diplomat and former war correspondent, Olivier Weber, and to Pierre Haski, president of Reporters Without Borders and presenter of the geopolitics mornings on France Inter radio. They spoke about political uncertainties, the rise of populism, the intensification of commercial tensions and the strain on migratory matters.

The second plenary conference was led by Bertrand Piccard, a visionary at the origin of Solar Impulse, the first zero-fuel aircraft with a perpetual autonomy. He has completed two round-the-world trips; one in a balloon and another in a solar plane. Bertrand is recognised by some of the most established institutions as an influent thought leader on the topics of progress and sustainability.

Thematic conferences

The day was also composed of four thematic sessions during which several topics were discussed including new forms of mobility and talent management and the impact of international mobility on the lives and careers of expatriates, amongst others.

Workgroups

Lastly, participants took part in workgroups and discussed various subjects including the international mobility within the Brexit perspective, legal news, mobility towards the Middle-East, and technology as a support to HR teams, amongst others.

Subjects as close as possible to professionals’ expectation

The increasing success of this meeting is mainly due to the way it is designed. The different themes are selected after a preliminary online survey conducted with more than 8,000 representatives of the HR discipline. Chosen topics thus meet professionals’ expectations.

In addition, the diversity and the number of speakers and participants insure the multiplicity of points of view and the richness of the discussions.

The UFE is an association of French, Francophones and Francophiles around the world that defends their interests, provides support and assistance on a regular basis, and ensures a privileged connection with France. The UFE is also a window that allows France to shine throughout the world. The association, founded in 1927, has more than 170 volunteer-driven representations in more than 100 countries.

Since 1927, the UFE has been working to defend the rights of all French, expatriates or those who permanently emigrated abroad. It continues its long-term action in the fields of social protection, education, security, taxation, the right to vote and nationality. The UFE is also a spokesperson at the embassy and the consulate, as well as at public authorities in France. The role of the UFE is particularly important when it comes to guarantee the safety of French citizens. In high-risk countries, the UFE works in close collaboration with the consular authorities and, in times of crisis, proves to be a true communication channel between the French and the consulates.

General Assembly of the UFE

On 09 March 2019, the General Assembly of the UFE was held at the Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower Hotel. AGS Paris attended this event and set up a booth to present its services.

During this Assembly, Samantha Cazebonne, Member of the Fifth Constituency of French Citizens established outside France, delivered a very interesting presentation on French teaching abroad. Alain-Pierre Mignon, President of the CFE (Fund for French Citizens Abroad) and Laurent Gallet, Director of the CFE, spoke about the reform of the CFE. The day ended with a beautiful gala evening at the Pavillon Wagram.

Pictured above: AGS Representatives at UFE General Assembly, Tony Weiss (left) and Gil Le Ménès.

Meeting with Gérard Pélisson, co-founder of the Accor Group

On Wednesday 15 May 2019, the UFE organised an event for the release of a book dedicated to the founders of the Accor Group, entitled: “Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson, Confrontation and Complicity”.

Gérard Pélisson and the two authors, Pierre-Michel Kaufmann and Henry Lang also attended the event. The book is the result of a two-year dialogue between the two authors and the two businessmen. The creators of the world’s first hotel empire told their intimate experience of this adventure while contrasting their experience to their partner’s one. This gives a fascinating story of the genesis and development of a company, full of anecdotes, confrontations and complicit exchanges.

Alain Taïeb, chairman of the MOBILITAS Group, attended the event, together with Tony Weiss, director of business development at AGS Paris.

Created in 1985, ADIFLOR aims to promote French reading and cultural diversity around the world. The association collected and donated several hundred books, as well as e-readers, to eighteen schools and libraries in Armenia – a country where the French language is quite popular. With this donation, ADIFLOR wishes to encourage and develop the learning of French throughout the country.

The French Embassy in Armenia, together with ADIFLOR and AFAL (French-speaking Association for Friendship and Connection), organised the donation ceremony on 09 October 2018 at the Pavillon of France in the Village de la Francophonie.

AGS Paris is a partner of this operation and has contributed by the transportation of the books. AGS has also participated in the transportation of books to Serbia in 2014 (month of the francophonie) and in 2016 to Madagascar, for the 16th Summit of the Francophonie (read the article).

The generous donation will fund the surgical procedure of at least 4 children at Smile Honduras.

Operation Smile has conducted medical programs in no less than six cities across Honduras since 1997. Its global volunteer network includes more than fifty medical professionals and hundreds of non-medical volunteers from Honduras.

More than 3600 patients suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities have been treated over the last 21 years.

Cedric Castro, AGS’ CEO, feels “proud and grateful to be able to contribute to this program”.
“If we can change the lives of families who cannot afford access to safe surgery, we are delighted to help.”

AGS Communication on Progress

For international stakeholders, the acceleration of the globalisation process means the search for competitiveness which can lead to expatriate talent management.

AGS and DS Avocats suggested solutions to manage the complexity of international mobility. AGS shed light on the impact of geopolitical, social and technological developments on international mobility. We also mentioned the consequences related to the strengthening of flows to and from Africa and Asia, the increasing computerisation of global mobility management and a stronger link between mobility policy and talent management.

Speaking on behalf of DS Avocats, Maître Chiara Poggi Ferrero, a lawyer at the Milan and Paris Bars, and Maître François Millet, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, deciphered the legal patterns of inbound/outbound mobility. As such, their experts explained in detail the specific requirements that weigh on the employer, including expatriate security and its obligations when the employee returns.

The event included a tour of the museum and the discovery of the exhibition “L’Afrique des Routes”, which AGS sponsors.

About AGS

43 years’ experience, expert in international removal and relocation, 4347 employees, 142 locations in 94 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle-East and the Caribbean.

About DS Avocats

45 years of experience, 400 business lawyers, 26 offices in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

AGS Paris has swopped its former white packaging for ethical packing material that uses no whitening chemical products which are not advisable for the environment. These new brown boxes provide optimal protection and security for their contents.

AGS Paris’ new packaging is a clear indicator of our commitment to sustainable development.

AGS Paris received the international ISO 14001 accreditation for its environmental management and works towards this every day by taking measures to control pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its activities.

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