Oman: immigration

How many expats live in Oman?

Oman's population was 5,430,882 at the end of August 2026, of whom 3,073,099 were Omani and 2,357,783 were expatriates, according to the Monthly Statistical Bulletin for September 2026 from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The total was 2.0% higher than a year earlier. At the end of December 2025 the population was 5,359,557.

Expatriates make up about 43% of residents. Their number changes with the labour market, because most hold work-linked residence permits, so it can move faster than the Omani population. NCSI publishes the population monthly by nationality and governorate from administrative registers.

Official sources: NCSI: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, September 2026 (PDF)

Which nationalities work in Oman?

Of the 1,839,713 expatriate workers in Oman in August 2026, 597,221 were Bangladeshi, 533,085 Indian and 281,551 Pakistani, according to the Monthly Statistical Bulletin for September 2026 from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Egyptians numbered 55,829 and Filipinos 43,647. Over the year, the number of Indian workers rose 4.3% and Egyptian workers 14.3%, while Bangladeshi workers fell 4.0% and Pakistani workers 8.1%.

The figures count workers holding labour permits, by sector, including 381,638 employed by families. Changes by nationality can reflect recruitment rules and demand in construction and services. Residence and visa rules are set by the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Labour.

Official sources: NCSI: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, September 2026 (PDF)

How many refugees are there in Oman?

Oman hosted 289 refugees and 414 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to the UNHCR refugee population statistics. At the end of 2024 the figures were 294 refugees and 420 asylum seekers. UNHCR counts 133 refugees and 43 asylum seekers originating from Oman at the end of 2025.

No national asylum statistics were found on Omani official sites, so UNHCR's figures are the main source. The numbers are small compared with Oman's 2.36 million expatriate residents, almost all of whom are in the country on work-linked residence permits rather than as refugees.

Official sources: UNHCR: Refugee population statistics

How many foreign-born people live in Oman?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 43.2%. In 2015 the figure was 43.7%. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 11.5%, and Oman placed 6th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 11th of 193.

How many people move to Oman each year?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 113,734. Since 2005 it has ranged from -171,635 (2020) to 492,609 (2011). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was -376, and Oman placed 5th highest of 22. Worldwide: 15th of 193.

How many refugees live in Oman?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Oman was 289, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2016, at 316; its low point was 2005, at 7. It is 20th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 15,377. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 134th highest.

How many refugees have fled Oman?

133: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Oman for 2025, according to UNHCR. No year since 2005 has been higher. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 7,322; Oman is 20th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 141st of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Oman?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Oman was 0.0% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.0% of GDP (2022) to 0.1% of GDP (2005). It is 9th highest of 11 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 0.6% of GDP. Worldwide: 122nd of 127.