Sunday 05 / July / 2026
MUSCAT: India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, has announced that visa and consular services are now available across all 11 governorates of the Sultanate through SGIVS Global, significantly improving access for Oman’s large Indian community.
Speaking in his first media interaction since taking office, Pise said the expanded network allows nearly 700,000 Indians in Oman to access essential services closer to their residences, removing the need to travel to Muscat for routine procedures such as passport renewals and documentation.
“Now the workers can avail of the consular services from the convenience of their homes. Therefore, they don't have to come to Muscat for the renewal of passports or any other needs,” he said, adding that the Indian Embassy remains open for those requiring additional assistance.
“However, the door of the embassy is open for them if they face any other difficulty,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about increased passport fees and the impact on Indian domestic workers—whose passports are typically renewed for only two years—the ambassador said the policy is intended as a protective measure, as they fall under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category.
On economic ties, Pise expressed optimism that the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect on June 1, will further deepen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between India and Oman.
India’s Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted recent export milestones under the agreement, including the first-ever shipment of 40 metric tonnes of biscuits manufactured in Varanasi to Oman.
He said an MoU has also been signed to expand exports of nearly 700 metric tonnes of biscuits to Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries during FY 2026–27.
According to Goyal, preferential tariff benefits under the India–Oman CEPA have enabled duty-free access for Indian biscuits, improving their competitiveness in the Omani market and strengthening export prospects for Indian manufacturers.
Pise also underlined the broader significance of the CEPA as a milestone in India–Oman relations, saying it will open new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors on both sides.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Oman across trade, investment, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges, building on the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.
