Oman

Compliance/Financial Considerations

If you intend to do any of the following in Oman, please contact Risk Services at risk@berkeley.edu or 642-5141:

  • Hire a local to work for you as an employee
  • Purchase or lease office or research space
  • Purchase or lease an automobile
  • Establish a long-term (over 90 days) or ongoing project
  • Conduct a clinical trial 

U.S. GOVERNMENT COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS 

Foreign activities may trigger many U.S. laws, including:

  • Import Controls
  • Export Controls
  • Tax Reporting
  • Foreign Bank Account Reporting
  • Country Embargoes and Targeted Sanctions
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  • Anti-Boycott Laws 

Import Controls. UC employees must adhere to U.S. import requirements, and may need to enlist the services of a customs broker, especially for shipments arriving by sea and subject to the Importer Security Filing 71730, also known as ISF 10+2. 

Export Controls. Export controls may apply to advanced software and technology, research data, and other sensitive assets. UC’s Export Compliance FAQ contains useful information and can be found here.  Go here for the University of California plan for compliance with federal export controls. If you plan on taking or sending potentially export-controlled materials to Oman, consult the campus Research Administration Compliance Office at 642-0120. 

Tax Reporting. The University and its employees may be taxed in foreign countries. The United States does not have a tax treaty with Oman. For more information about double taxation issues, contact the Controller’s Office at:

Foreign Bank Account Reporting. The U.S. Treasury Department requires U.S. citizens with a financial interest in or signatory authority over a financial account in a foreign country, where accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during a calendar year, to report such accounts on a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FinCen Report 114). Those needing to complete the form should contact the Controller’s Office at cashiers@berkeley.edu or 643-9803 for assistance. An IRS 1040 Schedule B form (Part III–Foreign Accounts and Trusts) must be filed by the signatory for any foreign bank account, regardless of the account balance. 

Country Embargoes and Targeted Sanctions. In general, collaborations between University personnel and scholars at foreign institutions or organizations do not require export licenses unless they involve export-controlled or -restricted research or involve scholars in sanctioned countries. Before engaging in an international collaboration, the University needs to determine whether export licenses are required and to verify that the foreign collaborator is not blocked or sanctioned. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is responsible for enforcing all U.S. embargoes and sanctions. Depending on each country’s embargo or sanction program, activities may be prohibited without specific authorization or license. UC’s International Collaborations webpage contains additional information on this topic.   

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is intended to stop bribery. It prohibits offering to pay, paying, promising to pay, or authorizing the payment of money or anything of value to a foreign official. The term “foreign official” generally includes any employee or contractor of a foreign government, and may include individuals employed by foreign universities. It is also unlawful to make a payment to a third party knowing that all or part of the payment will go to a foreign official. For more information, review the federal government’s Resource Guide to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If you need further clarification, contact the UC Berkeley Office of Legal Affairs at 642-7122. Transparency International’s 2018 survey of perceived public sector corruption rated Oman at 52 out of 100 (53rd out of 180 countries reviewed, i.e.  relatively clean).

Anti-Boycott Laws.  The U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for oversight of laws prohibiting individuals and entities from participating in boycotts not approved or sanctioned by the U.S. government. The Export Administration Act requires that requests to participate in such boycotts or to conduct activities in any of the boycotting countries be formally reported to the Department of Commerce and/or IRS.

For other compliance-related issues, refer to UC’s International Compliance webpage.   

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOING BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY

Foreign Bank Accounts. Employees wishing to open a foreign bank account should contact the Controller’s Office at cashiers@berkeley.edu or 643-9803. Requests to open accounts must be made through the Office of the President’s Banking and Treasury Services Group by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee. 

Real Estate Agreements. Only employees with delegated authority to sign contracts on behalf of The Regents may enter into agreements, leases, or other contracts.  Foreign affiliates or operations must submit to the Real Estate Services Office property management agreements, personal property leases, or contracts with a term longer than one year or in an amount greater than $25,000 per year. The campus then seeks approval from the University president or designee. For more information, consult the Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Foreign Affiliate Organizations and Foreign Operations.

Articles

The US State Department's page on the OMAN may be found HERE.

Personal Safety

OMANI AUTHORITIES MANDATED NOVEMBER 2 THAT ALL TRAVELERS ARRIVING VIA ANY OF THE SULTANATE'S PORTS MUST UNDERGO A PCR TEST NO MORE THAN 96 HOURS BEFORE THEIR ARRIVAL. TRAVELERS WILL UNDERGO AN ADDITIONAL PCR TEST UPON ARRIVAL AND A FURTHER TEST 8 DAYS AFTER THEIR INITIAL DATE OF ARRIVAL. THE COMPULSORY HOME QUARANTINE OF 14 DAYS HAS BEEN REDUCED TO 7 DAYS. TRAVELERS MUST WEAR A TRACKING BRACELET FOR THE DURATION OF SELF ISOLATION. ARRIVALS MSUT DOWNLOAD THE "TARASSUD+" MOBILE APPLICATION BEFORE ENTERING OMAN. NON-OMANI NATIONALS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE THAT COVERS COVID-19 EXPENSES FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH. FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO DO NOT HAVE VALID RESIDENCY VISAS SHOULD SEEK APPROVAL VIA THEIR AIRLINE. ALTERNATIVELY, THEIR SPONSORS CAN CONTACT THE OMANI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.  THE USE OF PROTECTIVE FACEMASKS IN PUBLIC SPACES AND TRANSPORTATION REMAIN MANDATORY.  COMPANIES ALLOWED TO OPERATE AT 50% WORKFORCE CAPACITY. AUTHORITIES COULD INTRODUCE NEW PREVENTATIVE MEASURES OR FURTHER EASE RESTRICTIONS DEPENDING ON DISEASE ACTIVITY IN THE COMING DAYS OR WEEKS.

Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu. 

If you are traveling to Oman on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here. 

Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.   

The geopolitical threat in Oman is low. Oman is an absolute monarchy, led by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said. The powers of the sultan are gradually extending to the legislature, with a process of democratization occurring in the Omani political landscape. The country has a bicameral system consisting of an upper chamber, Majlis al-Dawla, appointed by the sultan, and a lower chamber, Majlis al-Shura, which is elected by the population but requires the sultan's final approval. The Majlis al-Shura has limited power to propose legislation, but primarily serves as an advisory body, typically pertaining to concerns such as education and health and exempting matters such as defense and foreign policy. The powers of the sultan and ministers are outlined in the Basic Law or Basic Statute of the State. Opposition to the government is limited, and civil unrest is rarely reported. Oman's primary challenge is leadership succession when Sultan Qaboos dies, since he does not have an heir or successor. 

Oman has largely taken a neutral position in regional conflicts. The country has amiable ties with Saudi Arabia and regional rival Iran. Muscat is also not part of the Saudi-led coalition currently engaging in the conflict in Yemen against the Shi'a Al-Houthi rebels. Instead, the country has tried to broker a truce and has been instrumental in gaining the release of numerous foreign nationals held hostage by the rebels in Sana'a, Yemen.  

For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Oman is generally minimal; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in Oman is piracy kidnapping in the Gulf of Oman. Victims may be held for long periods of time until a ransom is paid. 

The threat of terrorism is low in Oman. Authorities have not introduced ratings based on an official national terror threat level system. Foreign governments have not issued warnings regarding terror threats in the country. No specific threats exist; however, Oman may be considered a target.  

Radicalized local sympathizers or foreign groups could infiltrate and plan attacks. They have threatened countries such as Oman that are friendly with the US and host US forces on their soil.

Legal/Political

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Omani authorities typically do not permit foreigners accused of crimes to leave the country while cases are open.

  • Carry your passport at all times, or you could be detained.
  • It is illegal to photograph certain buildings.

Alcohol and Drugs: You may be arrested for possession of alcohol or driving under the influence. Drinking is permitted in hotels, bars, homes, and some restaurants.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs include lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Motor Vehicle Violations: Traffic laws are strictly enforced and carry heavy penalties, such as a $1200 fine and/or one year in jail for running a red light. Remote traffic cameras are extensively used to monitor speeding and stop light infractions.

Immigration officials have ready access to information on traffic offenses, and violators cannot depart Oman unless all fines have been paid in full.

Personal Defamation charges:

  • Using vulgar language or hand gestures can lead to personal defamation charges. 
  • An accusation alone, regardless of who files it, can initiate a legal process.
  • U.S. citizens can usually resolve these cases with a formal apology and payment of damages to the aggrieved party.