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Oman: A secure and welcoming destination for expatriates

Oman has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for expatriates, coming in fourth place for personal safety and ninth place for political stability, according to the expat Insider 2023 survey. In the overall survey ranking of 53 destinations, Oman secured the 12th position. The country excelled in the Expat Essentials Index, where it claimed the third spot, with expats expressing particular satisfaction with the housing situation.

The survey revealed that approximately 74% of expatriates find housing in Oman easily, compared to a global average of 49%. Moreover, 61% of respondents found housing in Oman affordable, as opposed to only 38% globally. Expatriates also reported that living in Oman without speaking the local language(s) was relatively easy, ranking Oman fourth in this aspect.

Another noteworthy aspect was Oman’s performance in the Ease of Settling In Index, where it ranked tenth. An impressive 83% of expatriates stated that locals in Oman were friendly towards foreign residents, surpassing the global average of 65%.

Approximately two out of three expatriates, or 66%, find it easy to develop friendships with locals in Oman, surpassing the global average of 43%. In terms of the Quality of Life Index, Oman ranks 24th. Expats face challenges in terms of the affordability (47th) and accessibility (47th) of public transportation. However, the country boasts excellent infrastructure for cars, securing the fourth position.

In the Working Abroad category, Oman ranks 23rd. Expats feel that relocating to Oman has enhanced their career prospects (seventh). However, they also find that the local business culture lacks flexibility (47th). Overall, 69% of expatriates express satisfaction with their life in Oman.

Nevertheless, when it comes to unrestricted access to online services, particularly social media, Oman ranks second-to-last (52nd) among the surveyed countries. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain takes the lead as the highest-ranked country (ninth globally), followed by the United Arab Emirates (11th), Oman (12th), Saudi Arabia (28th), Qatar (31st), and Kuwait (53rd).

According to the survey, the top ten countries considered the best for expatriates in 2023 are Mexico (first), Spain, Panama, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Portugal (tenth). On the other hand, expatriates perceive Kuwait (53rd), along with Norway, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, South Africa, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, and Japan (44th), as the worst destinations for expatriates.

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