Opportunity for expats to invest in Oman's private schools

Muscat: Expats, who want to invest in private schools, must possess an investor visa and must have an Omani partner, according to a regulation issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
“The foreign investor may establish a school under the certain conditions,” MoE announced.
“There were a few new chapters added to the regulation that were not present before,” an official from MoE said. A new chapter was put in place for the management of private schools.
“The private school shall have a Board of Trustees consisting of a representative, and two persons with experience in education, and the head of the private school. In all cases, the number of members of the Board shall not be less than five,” the ministry said.
Additionally, one of the licensee’s obligation is to establish a website that is regularly updated, which includes all data and information relating to the school, in particular, the classes, tuition fees, student transfer fees, service fees and policies related to students and parents. On security, health, and safety, the new regulations call for the school to be equipped with an integrated fire protection system and install security cameras and equipment throughout the day, covering all premises and building’s facilities.
The Ministry also published its regulation on issuing licenses for individuals who want to establish private schools. The conditions for investing in a private school include, firstly, he or she must have an Omani partner according to the Foreign Capital Investment Law. Secondly, he or she must have entered the Sultanate with an investor visa.
Thirdly, the investor must be reputable and finally, he or she must not be sentenced to a final sentence of a felony or a penalty for a crime against honour or trust unless he is rehabilitated.
Additionally, the Ministry has announced that expats can establish private schools on the condition that they establish it with an Omani partner.
Other conditions include being fully qualified, and not less than 25 years old. Also, he or she must never have been convicted of a felony or a crime against honour or trust unless he or she has been rehabilitated. Finally, the owner must have the financial ability to establish and operate the private school.
Failure to comply with the regulations could lead to the owner paying up to OMR5,000 and having their license revoked.