The Oman visa center officially opened in Manila, marking a major step forward in employment cooperation between Oman and the Philippines. Moreover, this new facility is part of Oman’s strategy to modernize and regulate its overseas hiring procedures.
The center was launched under the patronage of Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and Minister of Labour Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’awin. Their attendance highlighted the importance of this development. Notably, the opening follows a recent investment forum between the two countries held in Cebu.
The Oman visa center offers a streamlined, one-stop process for overseas employment. Specifically, it provides biometric fingerprinting, medical testing, contract verification, and document attestation. These services aim to improve efficiency, reduce processing times, and eliminate the use of unlicensed middlemen.
Importantly, the center allows employers to match worker skills and qualifications with job requirements. Consequently, this helps ensure that candidates meet the needs of the Omani labour market. The facility also issues Omani SIM cards and opens local bank accounts for workers before departure.
Moreover, the Oman visa center includes a help desk to answer application-related questions and explain worker rights. In addition, the center holds awareness sessions to educate applicants about their legal responsibilities in Oman. These efforts contribute to a safer and more transparent hiring process.
Officials from Oman also met with the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers to discuss bilateral cooperation. During these meetings, both sides agreed to uphold ethical hiring standards and to support the long-term success of this initiative. As a result, these discussions reinforced their shared goals for safer and more accountable overseas employment.
The Oman visa center in Manila is the first of several planned facilities in countries that supply labor to the Sultanate. Looking ahead, Oman intends to expand this model to other locations, creating a more consistent framework for employment processing.
By launching the Oman visa center, the Sultanate demonstrates its dedication to secure and lawful employment practices. This step ensures better protection for both employers and workers. Additionally, it promotes responsible labor mobility and supports Oman’s broader goals for workforce regulation.
Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Eng. Nasser bin Said Al Manwari, attended the event along with high-level representatives from both nations. Therefore, their presence emphasized the strong diplomatic and labor ties between the two countries.
With this initiative, Oman aims to set a new standard for international hiring procedures—one that prioritizes safety, transparency, and mutual benefit.
