Today's article on Driving License in Times of Oman

Driving licence rules for expats to be reviewed in Oman
October 18, 2015 | 9:48 PM By Fahad Al Ghadani/Rahul Das

Muscat : Oman is considering tough new rules for expatriates applying for a driving licence, a senior official of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has revealed.

For this, the ROP is coordinating with the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) to restructure the process of issuing a driving licence to expatriates. “Until now, everybody could apply for a driving licence but we are planning to put in place some restrictions,” a senior official of the ROP confirmed to the Times of Oman on Sunday. He, however, refused to specify who will be eligible to obtain a driving licence, and who will be excluded. “We are working on that,” he said.

He also dismissed rumours that housewives can't get driving licences in Oman. “We are still issuing licences to women coming on family joining visas,” the official said.

A large number of Omanis have been pushing for limiting the number of cars on roads, arguing that the number of expatriate drivers needs to be reduced. “This is a welcome move as there have been many examples of driving licences being misused. There are just too many cars on the roads,” Humaid Al Nasri, an ex-Shura member said.

The president of Bangladesh Social Club, Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, said the government could be in the process of bringing back an old rule which existed in Oman.

“About 10 to 15 years back, not every foreigner could drive on Oman's roads. Only those skilled in driving could apply for a licence then,” he said.

While some people have suggested that the driving licence's validity should be linked to the validity of the holders' residency visa, others have suggested that it should be linked to the profession.

“I think that expatriates who are drawing a salary of OMR600 per month or more should be eligible for a driving licence as in the case of those holding family visa status. The expatriate's job status should also match his salary, unless he is a driver,” said Bhuiyan.

Omani businessmen said any move to introduce new conditions for obtaining a driving licence should also include age and health fitness just as such norms are applied in Kuwait.

“Private drivers who have been working for the same sponsor should be exempted,” said Baqir Al Ajmi, a businessman.