Oman recently introduced new cultural visas and residency programme. In your view, what other visa categories could help the sultanate attract more global talent? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –  

Ahmed al Balushi, Architect

Oman’s cultural visas are a great step toward welcoming creative professionals. I think introducing a ‘Creative Residence’ for artists, filmmakers, musicians and designers would further attract global talent. Such a visa could include studio support, space for exhibitions and collaborative workshops with local creators. This would not only bring fresh ideas into Oman but also help nurture our own creative industries.

Sohaib Khan, Student

To strengthen knowledge exchange, Oman could offer ‘Academic Fellowship Visas’, allowing global researchers, guest lecturers and innovation experts to collaborate with local universities. This would help us students benefit from international expertise while positioning Oman as a hub for science, research and technology in the region. Short-term research visas would be particularly impactful.

Jacob John, Private sector employee

I feel that a ‘Startup Innovator Visa’ could attract entrepreneurs who want to build new businesses in Oman. With the right incubation support, mentorship, and simplified business licensing, we can draw in tech innovators and small business owners who contribute to economic diversification. Encouraging collaborative ventures between expatriates and Omani SMEs would also strengthen local market.

Syed Alam, IT professional

Oman could benefit from a remote work or ‘Digital Nomad Visa’. Many professionals now work from anywhere, and Oman has the landscape, safety and connectivity to attract them. This would bring in skilled individuals who contribute to the economy through rentals, services and tourism, without competing for local jobs. It’s a modern visa category many countries are already embracing.

Sanjay Kumar, Private sector employee

The new cultural visas are encouraging, but introducing art residency programmes specifically focused on exchange could help even more. For example, a six-month to one-year visa for dancers, theatre teachers, folk musicians or visual art mentors to hold workshops and teach in schools and cultural centres. This builds bridges between cultures while developing young Omani talent in the arts.

Nishath F Noble, Private sector employee

The move to attract cultural talent on a long-term basis is a strong step towards diversification and Vision 2040. Visas targeting academia in the field of medical science, renewable energy and AI are other options to attract emerging leaders in the field to the sultanate.

Johnson Chacko, Executive secretary

The introduction of the cultural visa is a positive move by Oman and will help attract global talent. Additional visa categories could include an entrepreneur or startup visa aimed at specialists in technology, clean energy, tourism and the digital creative economy, supporting efforts to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Another option is a visa dedicated to research and academia to draw researchers, academics and scientists involved in R&D and collaboration with Omani universities and research centres.

Varkey Chacko, Salesman

To diversify, Oman can benchmark best practices to introduce visa categories like ‘Retirement Residency Visa’ to attract wealthy retirees who can chose Oman, a place to live peacefully. This would increase the demand in real estate services, healthcare and property investment.