Muscat: To encourage investment and to achieve the economic diversification objectives of the Sultanate of Oman, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) launched the Quick Maser service for investors residency requests in the special economic zones and free zones which will be available through the services of the One-Stop-Shop system with an easy procedure, to process requests promptly upon registering in Opaz commercial registration and to obtain the investment license on the same day, through direct coordination between Opaz and the Royal Oman Police.
On the other hand, over the past period and in cooperation with the relevant authorities, Opaz has issued, long-term residency visas for a period of up to 5 to 10 years, which are granted for foreign investors, interested in residing in special economic zones and free zones, particularly those with value-added investments, which contribute significantly in supporting the efforts made towards the employment of job seekers and the development of small and medium enterprises.
Dr Said bin Khalifa Al Turashi, In charge of Managing Operation of Commercial Registration & Business Services Department of Opaz, explained that the new service enables investors registered in the special economic zones and free zones to apply for a residence visa for different periods immediately upon registration in the authority’s commercial registry and obtain on the investment license through the One-Stop Shop.
He added that Opaz has worked earlier, in cooperation with the Royal Omani Police, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Labor, to provide the best services in the areas of the long-term residence that allow investors, who meet the conditions, to obtain residence visas that enable them to work and live in the areas affiliated with the Opaz according to a well - studied plan that enhances the investment environment which contributes to Opaz growth, help in creating jobs and strengthens the national economy to be compatible with the potentials, the pillars and the objectives of 'Oman 2040' vision and promote sectors of economic diversification.
He expressed his thanks to the specialists in various authorities whose cooperation played a major role in achieving the initiatives and putting them into practice, particularly specialists of various departments of the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Labour, for working as one team, and contributing to the implementation of the new mechanism for investor residence visas.
It is worth noting that, since the issuance of Royal Decree No. 105/2020, the authority has worked to strengthen its role in the business services aspect by providing fast and efficient services through the One-Stop shop, whose electronic services cover all special economic zones and free zones.
The authority has also completed several studies directed towards the development of the investment business environment which include review and re-engineer procedures, and review fees for services provided in affiliated areas. This is part of the government's efforts to diversify the economic stimulus and to provide attractive advantages and incentives to investors.
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