Muscat – Should expatriates in Oman enjoy longer validity driving licences? Many think so. Amidst rising living costs and a strong sense of belonging to the sultanate, residents are urging authorities to extend licence validity beyond the current two years aligning with practices elsewhere in the region. Here is what Muscat Daily readers said on the issue:

Selvi Prabha, Private sector employee

The validity can be for at least five years. I strongly believe that expatriates residing in Oman are sincere in abiding by the rules and regulations of the country.  We have to pay some amount every two years to renew our licence. Updating personal information – health, vision, etc – will not be much different every two years.

Mohammad Aslam, Businessman

The rule should be changed to at least five years for expatriates. Over the last few years – mainly after the pandemic – expenses have risen all over the world, including Oman. Frequent recurring expenses is tough.

On social media

binte_oman

We love Oman and are proud to call it our second home. We work hard, contribute to the economy and respect the culture – just like citizens do. It’s disheartening that residents are only given a two-year validity driving licence, while citizens enjoy ten years. We believe in fairness and equal treatment. Extending the licence validity for residents would not only reduce the burden of frequent renewals but also reflect appreciation for the efforts we make every single day. We hope the authorities reconsider and offer the same ten-year validity for residents. After all, we’re part of Oman’s growth story too.

Alnisa Vikinga

It should be made of ten years’ validity as soon as possible like anywhere else in the world. Don’t understand why this was taken away from us expats.

Jaison

It should be of ten years’ validity like before or at least five years like in a few other countries in the region.

Dua

We love Oman and hope that Oman loves us, too. Residents should be given same treatment like citizens because we also work hard to earn a living.

Terence Pereira

It should be the same as it was before – ten years. Perhaps, after a certain age, it can be reduced to four years.