Job Discussion Forums

winterwawa · Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

I sat here at my desk thinking about how things seemed so illogical when I came to Korea in 1998 -- in fact, some of the laws and customs still seem illogical. In my head I know that there will be things in Oman that will also be illogical. I also know that I CAN adjust. I just hope I can do so quickly enough and without blowing my cool and getting fired or worse.

Anyway, I am grateful for all the advise and I will try not to be so argumentative in the future.

WW

lecturer · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Taiwan

I was offered employment at Shinas Tech about the same time you were. Have you received a visa yet? Do you expect to be there by the start of the semester (Jan. 15th)?

Does anyone know how long does it take for Immigration to issue a visa?

Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

winterwawa · Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

lecturer · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Taiwan

I'm in the same boat. I've sold my car, cancelled my private classes, and I'm now just waiting for my visa and ticket to fly out.

How about housing? Do you have any idea where you're going to live? Would you consider sharing an apartment or do you have other plans? Let's keep in touch and exchange some ideas. Cheers!

winterwawa · Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

elmoro · Joined: 12 Feb 2010 Posts: 58 Location: The Emerald City

@ winterwawa,

heading back to the states to renew your dl might be a good idea. i can't remember how long it took for me to get a visa, but after the visa is sent, you still have to wait for the flight reservation. if you have the money, i suggest trying to renew the dl. that will save you A LOT of time and money when trying to get the omani dl. then again, i guess it depends on which state you are from because some states (or cities) are faster than others.

finding an apartment is not very difficult and staying together might be a good option. like i said before, if you want quick access to groceries and shopping, sohar is your choice; if you want the "traditional experience" shinas is your choice. i would suggest sohar at least for the beginning and if you decide that you can handle living in shinas, then move.

elmoro

winterwawa · Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

Thanks for your input elmoro. I would try to go back to the US and get my DL renewed, but it would be nice to coordinate flights if possible so that I go to the US, then come back and the next day leave for Oman. But I can't do that if I don't know when the flight to oman is.

Should I just take a chance and hope that I can get back before the flight to Oman leaves without me? Plus, I still have lots of stuff to get rid of here. It would be a lot easier to know what to do if the people at MoM would communicate with me.

MADAMELEACH · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Location: WELLINGTON

Has anyone taken the driving test and course of lessons in Oman?

Any feedback? Confused

urbanversion · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 426

And the booze licence? Anyone any more luck?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I don't know anyone in Oman who didn't succeed in getting their booze license or you limiting your question to those in Shinas?

VS

urbanversion · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 426

Last time I was there it seemed an officious nightmare of red tape, first you need your residents card, then a letter from your employer...simpler just to buy it from the friendly indian who knows 'someone' who can acquire turkish lager at your laundry Laughing

Then I don't drink so much anyway, but a cold lager after a dry throat on a wednesday night is a fair reward...or not?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

That hardly sounds like a major project. Everyone has to have a labor card, so that is something that you already have. Then most employers provide the letter quickly... both of my employers would give it to upon asking. Then you take some pictures and go to the required office. (Not that I ever bothered as I don't drink anyway.) As governmental red tape goes, be it in the Gulf or even in one's home country, this is nothing.

The only catch is that the office is in Muscat, I believe. Think of it as "the wages of sin." Laughing

VS

urbanversion · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 426

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

It is possible to get a liquor licence in Salalah, though the permitted amount is lower than Muscat. I had no problem obtaining one in Muscat. After I got my labour card I got a letter of no objection from my employer and also took with me the form (which as it turned out was out of date). I went to the licence office in the ROP complex in Ruwi and came out ten minutes later with my permit. I have been given a rather high monthly limit which I will never to use up every four weeks.

Oh yes, UV, you can get a sim card, just take your passport with you. For the bank account you will need the passport and a letter from your employer comfirming your salary. I know because I have done it. However you will need your labour card and the salary letter if you want to buy a car on credit terms. I even obtained my Nawras Wimax broadband using only my passport.

Duffy Laughing