A friend in our WhatsApp community sent me a photo last week from Muscat International Airport.
It was packed. Not with people leaving Oman – with people fleeing every other Gulf country.
Muscat has become the region’s lifeline. The only fully operational airport in the Gulf. Airlines are routing evacuation flights through Oman. Long queues of cars line up at the UAE-Oman border at Hatta, with families trying to get out of Dubai.
And in the middle of all this, the roughly 770,000 Indians living in Oman are watching the chaos unfold next door, asking themselves a quiet question.
“If this can happen to Dubai, to Doha, to Kuwait… how long before it happens here?”
It’s a fair question. And I want to answer it honestly.
Because here’s the thing about Oman – it’s the safest place in the Gulf right now. But “safest” doesn’t mean “safe.” And the fact that you’re asking the question at all means something has already changed.
Oman’s Unique Position in This Crisis
Let me explain why Oman is different from every other GCC country right now. And why that difference has limits.
Oman is the Gulf’s Switzerland.
For decades, Oman has maintained diplomatic ties with Iran when other Gulf states wouldn’t.
Oman mediated the original US-Iran nuclear talks. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi was literally mediating between the US and Iran in Geneva on February 26 – two days before the strikes began.
When Iran hit every other GCC country on February 28, Oman was the only one it didn’t strike on the first day.
But Oman has not been spared entirely.
Starting March 1, Iranian drones hit Duqm Port in Al Wusta Governorate, injuring a foreign worker.
A fuel tank at Duqm was struck again on March 3. An oil tanker was attacked off the Musandam coast, injuring four crew members. Another tanker was hit off the coast of Muscat, killing a crew member.
Iran’s Foreign Minister said the strikes on Oman were carried out by military units “acting independently” and that Oman remains a “friend and neighbour.” The Iranian General Staff said it did not order strikes on Omani territory.
Take that for what it’s worth. The strikes still happened.
Oman’s airspace is still open.
This is the single biggest practical difference. While Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar have had their airspace fully closed for over 10 days, and the UAE has been operating only limited flights, Muscat remains fully operational.
Airlines are using Muscat as a staging point for repositioning and repatriation flights across the region.
Oman opposed the US-Israeli strikes.
Unlike every other GCC country that condemned Iran’s retaliation, Oman implicitly opposed the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Omani Foreign Minister Al Busaidi urged Washington “not to get sucked in further” and said “this is not your war.”
This diplomatic positioning is partly why Iran has treated Oman more gently. But “more gently” still included hitting a port and attacking ships off its coast.
The Strait of Hormuz runs along Oman’s border.
This is the critical piece. The Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil chokepoint – passes between Iran and Oman’s Musandam peninsula. Three Indian nationals have been killed on ships in the strait since the conflict began.
The waterway has been effectively shut down, with traffic dropping to near zero.
If you work in shipping, oil logistics, or port operations in Oman, this directly affects your livelihood.
Why Indians in Oman Are Thinking About Returning
Even though Oman is the least affected GCC country, many Indians there are reconsidering their long-term plans. Here’s why.
The neighborhood has changed.
You might be safe in your house, but if every house on your street is on fire, you’re going to reconsider living there. That’s essentially what happened to the Gulf.
The “safe oasis” narrative that attracted millions of Indians to the GCC is fundamentally broken. Iran struck airports in Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar.
It hit residential buildings in Bahrain. It targeted oil refineries in Saudi Arabia. A hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah burned.
Even from Oman, you can see the smoke.
Omanisation was already tightening.
The Omani government has been steadily pushing its Omanisation policy – replacing expat workers with Omani nationals.
The Indian expat population dropped from over 766,000 to about 506,000 in some recent counts, depending on the data source. The trend is clear: Oman wants fewer foreign workers.
In sectors like retail, banking, and government services, Omanisation quotas are aggressively enforced. If you’re in a role that an Omani national could fill, your position is increasingly at risk.
Economic uncertainty from the Hormuz crisis.
Oman depends on oil and gas exports. The Strait of Hormuz closure threatens those exports. If Oman can’t ship its oil, the economic consequences for the entire country – and for expat employment – are serious.
The 60% factor.
About 60% of Indians in Oman are from Kerala. Many have aging parents back home. Many have children approaching critical school years. Many were already thinking about returning.
The war didn’t create the desire to return. It accelerated it.
Two Parallel Tracks: Preparation + Return
Like my guides for Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, I’m breaking this into two tracks.
Track 1: Immediate Actions (Next 1-6 Months) – Smart preparation even if you’re not ready to leave yet.
Track 2: Long-Term Return Plan (6-24 Months) – A complete roadmap for permanently relocating to India.
Oman’s relative safety means you have more breathing room than Indians in other GCC countries. Use it wisely. Don’t waste the advantage by doing nothing.
Track 1: Immediate Actions (Next 1-6 Months)
Secure Your Documents
Even in relatively calm Oman, document readiness is essential right now.
Gather physical copies. Scan everything. Upload to a secure cloud folder shared with a family member in India.
Documents to secure:
- Passports for every family member (check expiry dates)
- Oman resident card (eVisa/labour card)
- Employment contract and latest salary certificate
- Company NOC
- Children’s school records – all years, mark sheets, transfer certificates
- Bank account statements
- Tenancy agreement
- Vehicle registration and insurance (mulkiya)
- Medical records and vaccination certificates
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Indian PAN card and Aadhaar details
Know Your Embassy Contacts
The Indian Embassy in Muscat is operational.
Embassy of India, Muscat:
- Community Welfare Toll-Free: 80071234
- Tel: +968 2468 4500
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: indemb-oman.gov.in
Save these. Even if you don’t need them today, you might need them tomorrow.
Start Moving Money to India
Oman’s banking system is currently functioning normally. Use this window.
1. Open an NRE or NRO account in India if you don’t have one. SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank allow remote NRI account opening.
2. Transfer savings in batches.
Don’t move everything at once. Large transfers can trigger compliance reviews.
3. Use SWIFT transfers for reliability.
Keep every receipt and transaction reference number.
4. Understand purpose codes.
RBI requires specific codes for inward remittances. Your bank handles this, but verify.
Tax note: Oman has no personal income tax. India doesn’t tax incoming remittances. Transferring savings from Oman to India has no tax implications on the transfer itself.
Evaluate Your Job Security Honestly
This is where Oman-specific context matters.
Ask yourself:
- Is my role subject to Omanisation quotas?
- Is my company dependent on oil/gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz?
- Has my employer discussed contingency plans?
- Am I in a sector that’s growing or shrinking in Oman?
- Could I be replaced by an Omani national within 1-2 years?
If the answer to two or more of these is unfavorable, planning your return isn’t pessimism. It’s prudence.
Know Your End-of-Service Rights
Under Oman Labour Law, you’re entitled to end-of-service gratuity.
The calculation:
- 15 days’ basic salary for each of the first three years
- One month’s basic salary for each year after that
- If you resign before completing 1 year, no gratuity
- If you resign after 1-3 years, you get one-third of the standard rate
- If you resign after 3-5 years, you get two-thirds
- After 5 years of resignation, full rate applies
- If terminated by employer, full gratuity applies from year one
Get this calculated. Get it in writing. Don’t leave Oman without it.
Track 2: Long-Term Return Plan (6-24 Months)
Step 1: Choose Your City in India
For Indians returning from Oman, city selection follows a predictable pattern.
About 60% of Indians in Oman are Keralite. Many return to Kerala.
| City | Why Returnees Choose It | Monthly Family Budget (4 people) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala (Kochi/Trivandrum/Calicut) | Home state for majority, cultural comfort, NORKA support, established return-migrant communities | Rs 50,000 – 1,00,000 | Keralites, retirees, small business owners |
| Bangalore | Tech jobs, cosmopolitan culture, pleasant weather | Rs 80,000 – 1,50,000 | IT/engineering professionals |
| Mumbai | Business and finance hub, career opportunities | Rs 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 | Finance, trading, senior professionals |
| Hyderabad | Affordable, fast-growing, good schools | Rs 60,000 – 1,20,000 | Mid-career professionals, families |
NORKA-ROOTS is your biggest advantage as a Kerala returnee. The state government’s dedicated program for Gulf returnees offers:
- Entrepreneurship financial support
- Skill development and retraining programs
- Reintegration assistance
- Counseling services
If you’re Keralite, register with NORKA-ROOTS before you return. Not after.
For a detailed comparison of all cities, check our best cities guide.
Step 2: Figure Out Your Income
The million-rupee question. “How will I earn in India?”
Your situation depends on your sector.
If you’re in healthcare (Oman employs about 2,000 Indian doctors), your skills transfer directly to India. Healthcare is booming.
If you’re in oil and gas, the transition is harder. India’s oil sector pays less, and the skillsets don’t always transfer to other industries.
If you’re in banking, IT, or finance, you have good options – especially in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
If you’re in construction or retail, it’s a tougher market.
Your four paths:
Path 1: Job first, then move.
Start applying 3-6 months before your planned return. Use LinkedIn, Naukri.com, and recruitment agencies.
Path 2: Remote work.
Keep your Oman job or find an international remote role. Earn in OMR/USD while living in India. Smoothest financial transition possible.
Path 3: Start a business.
Many Oman returnees start businesses in Kerala and other cities – trading, food, consulting, education. NORKA-ROOTS offers financial assistance for returnee entrepreneurs.
Path 4: Take a break.
If savings allow, give yourself 3-6 months to settle before committing to a job. Don’t rush.
Be honest about salary expectations. Numbers will be lower. But so is the cost of living. Factor in free housing (if you have family property), cheaper healthcare, and affordable schooling.
Step 3: Plan Your Children’s School Transition
Oman has several Indian schools following CBSE curriculum, which makes the transition smoother.
Key steps:
Get transfer certificates and mark sheets early. Ask the school now, even if you’re not leaving for months.
Understand Indian school admission timelines. Most admissions happen December-March for the April/June academic year.
If your kids were in the British or IB curriculum, look at international schools in India.
Prepare them emotionally. Read our guide on helping kids through the transition.
Community insight: Parents in our group consistently say kids adapt within one academic year. It’s the parents who take longer.
Step 4: Housing – Rent Before You Buy
You know what I’m going to say.
Rent first. 6-12 months minimum. Then decide whether and where to buy.
Our buying vs renting guide has the detailed analysis.
If you own property in India already, get it ready before you arrive. Repairs, painting, utilities – handle it through family before you land.
Step 5: Banking and Financial Setup
Convert accounts.
Your NRE/NRO accounts need to be converted to regular resident accounts after you return permanently.
Open an RFC account.
This lets you hold foreign currency savings from your NRI period. Useful for flexibility.
Build credit history.
You’ll have almost no CIBIL score in India. Start building it early – a secured credit card against a fixed deposit is the easiest way.
Start investing.
SIPs in mutual funds for long-term growth. Fixed deposits for safety. Don’t rush into real estate.
Step 6: Tax Planning
The 182-day rule.
Spend 182 days or more in India in a financial year (April-March) and you become a tax resident. Your worldwide income becomes taxable in India.
Oman has no income tax.
No double taxation complexity for your Oman earnings. Clean and simple.
Once in India, you need to file income tax returns on all income earned. Know the new tax regime slabs.
Foreign asset disclosure.
If you keep any accounts in Oman after returning, you must disclose foreign assets in your Indian tax return. Non-compliance carries steep penalties.
Consult a CA who specializes in NRI taxation before you move. Not after.
Step 7: Shipping and Logistics
The Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme lets returning Indians bring household goods with reduced customs duty.
Requirements: lived abroad 2+ years, items in possession 1+ years.
Full details in our shipping guide.
Oman advantage: Because Oman’s ports are operational and airspace is open, shipping from Oman to India is currently more reliable than from other GCC countries. Use this window.
Get quotes from at least three companies for shipping from Muscat/Salalah to Indian ports (Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai).
Sell what doesn’t make sense to ship – cars, heavy furniture, electronics with incompatible standards.
Step 8: Leave Oman Properly
Employment:
- Serve your notice period (typically 30 days to 3 months)
- Collect end-of-service gratuity
- Get experience certificate and relieving letter
- Cancel your labour card/visa
- Get a proper exit stamp
Financial:
- Close or settle all Oman bank accounts
- Pay off loans and credit card balances
- Cancel subscriptions and recurring payments
- Collect any pending salary
Administrative:
- Cancel vehicle registration (mulkiya) and settle fines
- Terminate phone and internet (Omantel/Ooredoo)
- Return rented accommodation and recover deposit
- Cancel utility accounts (Nama/Tanweer)
- Get police clearance if needed
The Oman Advantage – Use It Wisely
Here’s where I want to make a key point that’s different from my Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar guides.
If you’re an Indian in Oman, you have an advantage that Indians in other GCC countries don’t have right now: time.
Bahrain’s airspace is closed. Kuwait’s airport was damaged by a drone. Qatar is barely reopening for evacuation flights. Dubai is operating limited schedules under constant missile threat.
Oman is functioning. Flights are running. Banks are working. Your daily life is less disrupted.
This means you can plan rather than panic.
Use this time to:
- Research cities and jobs in India thoroughly
- Transfer money systematically, not in a rush
- Get your children’s school admissions sorted properly
- Negotiate your exit with your employer calmly
- Ship your belongings through a working port system
The Indians fleeing Bahrain and Kuwait don’t have this luxury. You do.
Don’t waste it by thinking “Oman is fine, I don’t need to plan.”
Oman is fine today. But “today” is not a strategy.
The Emotional Side
I moved back from the US to India in 2017 with my family. My wife, two boys. My mom was alone in India, and I wanted to come home.
Even with the strong pull toward India, leaving was hard.
Many Indians in Oman have decades of history there. Some families go back generations – Bhatia traders from Kutch have been in Muscat since the 16th century. Oman grants citizenship to foreign nationals who’ve lived there 20+ years, something no other Gulf country does. About a thousand Indians have Omani citizenship.
The India-Oman relationship is uniquely warm. Two Hindu temples operate freely. Churches and gurdwaras function. Omani society is genuinely tolerant.
Leaving all that is a real loss. Acknowledge it.
The first three months in India will be the hardest.
You’ll compare everything to Oman’s calm, clean roads and polite society. Indian traffic will feel chaotic. Bureaucracy will test your patience.
Your kids will adapt faster than you think.
Give them time and a stable routine.
Build your support network early.
Join our WhatsApp groups. Connect with other Oman returnees.
Read our honest guide on the challenges of returning to India.
Printable Checklist Before Leaving Oman
Financial
- [ ] Transfer savings to Indian NRE/NRO account
- [ ] Settle all loans, credit cards, and debts
- [ ] Collect end-of-service gratuity
- [ ] Close Oman bank accounts
- [ ] Get final salary certificate
Employment
- [ ] Serve notice period
- [ ] Get experience certificate and relieving letter
- [ ] Cancel labour card/work visa
- [ ] Get proper exit documentation
Documentation
- [ ] Get police clearance certificate
- [ ] Get children’s school transfer certificates
- [ ] Transfer medical records
- [ ] Cancel vehicle registration (mulkiya), settle fines
India Preparation
- [ ] Open or update Indian bank accounts
- [ ] Get health insurance
- [ ] Arrange housing (rental)
- [ ] Register children in school
- [ ] Update PAN card, apply for Aadhaar if needed
Logistics
- [ ] Book shipping for household goods (use Oman’s operational ports)
- [ ] Sell car and items you’re not taking
- [ ] Cancel Omantel/Ooredoo connections
- [ ] Cancel Nama/Tanweer utilities
- [ ] Book flights (Oman’s airspace is operational – use this advantage)
For the complete version, see our financial checklist for returning NRIs.
Oman-Specific Resources
Embassy of India, Muscat
- Tel: +968 2468 4500
- Community Welfare Toll-Free: 80071234
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: indemb-oman.gov.in
MADAD Portal (consular grievances)
- Website: madad.gov.in
NORKA-ROOTS (Kerala returnees)
- Website: norkaroots.org
- Gulf returnee programs: entrepreneurship, skill training, reintegration
Royal Oman Police
- For visa, labour card, and exit procedures
- Website: rop.gov.om
Oman Labour Law Resources
- Ministry of Labour: mol.gov.om
- For gratuity calculations and employment rights
FAQ: Questions Our Community Members Ask
Q: Is Oman safe right now?
Oman is the safest GCC country in this conflict. Its diplomatic relationship with Iran, lighter US military footprint, and mediation role have given it relative protection. However, it has not been entirely spared – Duqm Port and oil tankers off its coast have been struck. Oman’s airspace is the only one fully operational in the Gulf. Risk is low but not zero.
Q: Should I move from another GCC country to Oman instead of going back to India?
Some people are doing this as a short-term measure. Oman is currently a transit hub for people leaving the region. But relocating within the Gulf doesn’t address the fundamental security shift that this conflict represents. If you’re going to move, consider whether India is the better long-term destination.
Q: Is Omanisation going to affect my job?
It depends on your sector. Healthcare, IT, and specialized engineering roles are less affected. Retail, banking front-office, government services, and general administration are heavily targeted by Omanisation quotas. The Indian expat population in Oman has been declining, suggesting the policy is having real impact.
Q: What about my children’s education if we return mid-year?
Most Indian CBSE schools in India accept mid-year transfers with proper documentation. Contact the target school directly, explain your situation, and provide transfer certificates and mark sheets. Schools are generally understanding, especially given the current regional circumstances.
Q: Can I fly directly from Oman to India right now?
Yes. Oman’s airspace is fully operational. Muscat has become the primary functioning airport in the Gulf region. Flights to India from Muscat are running, though schedules may change. Check with your airline for the latest. This is a significant advantage over other GCC countries.
Q: I work in shipping/oil logistics. How does the Hormuz closure affect me?
Directly and significantly. The Strait of Hormuz has seen traffic drop to near zero. Three Indian nationals were killed on ships in the strait. If your livelihood depends on Hormuz shipping, the economic disruption could last weeks or months even after the immediate conflict ends. This is worth factoring into your return planning.
Q: I’ve been in Oman for 20+ years. Do I lose my residency if I leave?
Under normal circumstances, if you maintain your employment and visa status, you can return. However, Oman’s new residency rules require you to not be absent for more than 6 months. If you’re planning a permanent return to India, you’ll be cancelling your visa anyway. If you want to keep the option open, discuss with your employer and the Royal Oman Police before leaving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Oman, you’re watching this crisis from a slightly different vantage point than Indians in other Gulf countries.
You’re not sheltering from daily missile alerts. Your airport works. Your daily routine is mostly intact.
But you’re watching your friends in Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait go through something terrifying. And you’re asking yourself whether it’s just a matter of time.
I can’t predict the future. Nobody can.
What I can tell you is this: the Gulf has changed. The security assumptions that underpinned decades of Indian migration to this region have shifted permanently. Not necessarily for the worse forever – but they’ve shifted.
The smartest thing you can do is use Oman’s relative calm to plan carefully. Don’t panic. But don’t be complacent either.
Whether you decide to stay or return, make it an active, conscious choice.
And if India is calling you home, know that you have a community of 20,000+ returnees waiting to help you.
I made this move in 2017. It wasn’t easy. But it was right.
We’re here whenever you’re ready.
If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. The regional situation is evolving. Always verify with official sources (Indian Embassy, MEA, Omani authorities) for the most current information. Consult qualified professionals for financial and legal decisions.
Last updated: March 10, 2026
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