Oman does not have obligatory state or employer-contribution insurance schemes.
Small populations and high gross domestic products allow the Gulf states to fund the welfare of their people without imposing extra taxes. Omani nationals are automatically provided with extensive state services, including: medical care, maternity care, child care and pension schemes.
Foreign workers have access to medical facilities, but little else. In fact, the government increasingly encourages companies to provide private medical insurance for their employees in order to further decrease expatriate use of state healthcare programmes.
Private medical insurance is recommended for most foreigners.
There are no state pension schemes in Oman for foreigners, although certain state institutions and some international companies have corporate plans.
If you were paying into a state pension scheme while working in your home country, you should continue to do so (in a reduced form, if necessary, such as Class 3 contributions in the UK). These contributions are usually one of the best investments you can make. After all, they provide continuous returns upon your retirement. You might even be eligible for certain benefits, such as the payment of medical costs, while you are living in Oman.
Nevertheless, expatriates should take advantage of their high disposable income in Oman to set up personal pension plans. Many Omani companies offer pension schemes, some funded by lump-sum payments and others by regular contributions.