2019

Staff Handbook
 Notice

The labor laws of the Sultanate of Oman and all other laws of the
state are applicable to Omani & non-Omani residents alike.
 Professor Barry Winn
Vice Chancellor

Dr. Hamdan Al Fazari Professor Hamza Edress

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Resources) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

Professor Ghassan Al Kindi Dr. Mohammed Al Muqbali

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students Affairs and
Innovation) Engagement)
Preparation: Human Resources Department & Organizational Development
 Mr. Abdullah Al Hinai
 Mr. Zaher Al Hosni
 Mr. Abdullah Al Nofli
 Mr. Mohammed Al Balushi
 Mr. Ahmed Al Zaani
 Mr. Majid AI Issai
 Ms. Iman Al Marzouqi
 Ms. Iman Al Hashmi
 Ms. Shamsa Al Breiki
 Ms. Najia Al Farsi
 Ms. Iman Al Hashmi
 Ms. Sheikha Al Balushi

Design: Communications & External Relations

 Ms. Amina Al Shizawi

Linguistic Revision
 Mr. Roger Ledsham

Supervision and Follow- up

 Mr. Abdullah Al Hinai

General Supervision
 Dr. Hamdan Al Fazari
Content
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................6
SOHAR UNIVERSITY ...............................................................................................................................7
VISION, MISSION & VALUES ...................................................................................................................7
FACULITIES OF THE NIVERSITY ............................................................................................................8
ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF .................................................................................................8
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, AMENITIES & SERVICES ..................................................................................9
SOHAR....................................................................................................................................................10
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES ................................................................................................11
BANKS ....................................................................................................................................................11
HEALTH CENTRES & HOSPITALS ........................................................................................................12
HOTELS ..................................................................................................................................................12
SHOPPING .............................................................................................................................................13
TRAVEL & TOURISM OFFICES..............................................................................................................14
HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION FOR STAFF .......................................................................................14
RESTAURANTS ......................................................................................................................................15
TRANSPORTATION................................................................................................................................15
Car rentals:................................................................................................................................................. 16
Car purchasing: .......................................................................................................................................... 16
PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SOHAR ...............................................................................................................16
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN SOHAR .............................................................................................................17
HEALTH INSURANCE ............................................................................................................................19
Health Insurance provided to University Staff ........................................................................................... 19
Procedures for Treatment in Network Hospitals/Medical Centers/Clinics ................................................ 19
Procedures to Follow to Claim Compensation in the Instance of Treatment Given Outside Network
Hospitals .................................................................................................................................................... 19
Hospitals in Sohar covered by your card: ................................................................................................. 20
SPECIALIZATION & SERVICES PROVIDED BY HUMAN RESOURCES ...............................................21
SERVICES PROVIDING BY HR & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT EPARTMENT ........................21
New Staff Members ................................................................................................................................... 21
Family Visa................................................................................................................................................. 21
Conditions .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Required Documents ................................................................................................................................. 22
Visitor’s Visa for Relatives ......................................................................................................................... 22
Documents required for a Visitor’s Visa .................................................................................................... 22
Study Visa .................................................................................................................................................. 22
Documents required for a Study Visa........................................................................................................ 22
Resident Card Renewal ............................................................................................................................. 23
Alcoholic Beverages Permit ....................................................................................................................... 23
CONTACT OF HR & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DERARTMENT STAFF ..............................24
INTRODUCTION

The Human Resources Department at Sohar University is pleased to extend a warm welcome to all new
staff members and wishes them success in their new professional lives in Sohar or, if they have arrived
from places beyond our shores, in the Sultanate of Oman. It is hoped that all of our staff members will fulfill
their respective duties in the best manner and strive to further advance the already high standards of
education provided by Sohar University, as was envisioned by the enlightened and forward-thinking
leadership of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said; may Allah protect him.

Staff members of Sohar University have been engaged to perform their duties to the full satisfaction of the
three production parties – the Government, fellow staff members and the University itself. For our part, the
Human Resources Department pledges to ensure the cooperation and respect of all administrative and
academic departments and personnel at the University and to uphold your rights as an employee, as set
out in the labour laws of Oman. In addition, we pledge to do our utmost to meet your needs and to assist
you, to the very best of our means and abilities, in discharging your duties.

To help you settle into your new environment, the Human Resources Department is pleased to present you
with this guide book. It contains essential background information about the University and the city of Sohar
and includes detailed information about the Human Resources Department and the services it provides to
University staff.

We are privileged to be part of this leading University, its vision, mission and values, and are pleased that
you have chosen to join us. May Allah grant success and prosperity to us all.

Abdullah bin Ali Al Hinai

Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development
SOHAR UNIVERSITY

Sohar University was founded, in 1997, as Sohar College of Applied Sciences. In 2001, following four years
of success as an institute of higher education, the Ministry of Higher Education granted the College official
approval to commence operations as the first private university in the Sultanate of Oman. This was a
landmark ruling in the development of higher education in the Sultanate and one of which Sohar University
is rightly proud. It underscored the resolve of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman, to
create a highly-educated generation of young people equipped to excel in a rapidly changing industrial and
commercial world which they, themselves, would shape.

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Vision
To provide access and opportunity to build a knowledge nation.

Mission
Engaging minds, transforming lives and serving the community.

VALUES

Ethics: We value fostering the highest academic and professional standards in the spirit of open and
critical thought and enquiry.

Inclusion: We value staff and students working together for shared success in an inclusive environment
that promotes and encourages a culture of respect for people and ideas.

Commitment: We value the contribution from staff, students and all stakeholders to provide excellence
and enhance academic, professional and personal development.

Creativity: We value and support intellectual freedom and creativity and encourage staff and students to
explore and innovate, and to become creative, independent thinkers and entrepreneurs.
FACULITIES OF THE NIVERSITY

Today, Sohar University comprises six faculties – the faculties of Business, Computing & Information
Technology, Education & Arts, Engineering, Language Studies and the Faculty of Law. In addition, the
university’s English language courses are supported by a dynamic and forward-looking General Foundation
Programme which, through its academic preparation component, provides a bridge for the student between
school and life in academia.

ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

To meet the requirements of our quality assurance criteria and the terms and conditions of our national
educational authorities, including our industrial and commercial partners, Sohar University industrial the
need to source outstanding, qualified and experienced professionals from wherever they might hail – and
this is why you are here. Currently, our faculty and managerial departments host academicians,
professional educators, managers and staff of many nationalities, each drawn from institutes of higher
education located in Oman, in the wider Gulf region and from far beyond our shores. Their diverse cultures,
professional qualifications and accrued international expertise benefit the University as a Centre of learning
and the learning experience of our students – and they will benefit you, also.
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, AMENITIES & SERVICES

Sohar University’s modern and expanding campus features buildings of considerable architectural
interest, the latest addition to which is the magnificent Learning Resources Centre, located on the north of
the campus.
The campus hosts first-rate amenities and support services for residential and non- residential students,
including on and off-campus accommodation, 24-hour medical care, prayer rooms, off-campus transport for
students and a choice of on-campus restaurants. The restaurants provide separate dining facilities for male
and female students and for University staff members.
The campus amenities are supplemented by academic support services, such as the Student Counselling
Centre, the Centre for Continuing Education, the Alumni & Career Guidance Centre and an on-campus
bookshop and copying service.

Student Accommodation
A student hostel is provided for our resident female students and is located in the East of the campus. It
offers a sea-view from some of its 350 rooms and, for the rest, a view across the beautiful campus and the
outlying, palm-forested areas. The hostel benefits from its own contingent of security personnel, a cleaning
services team and hostel supervisors. The hostel is, of course, equipped with TV rooms and Wi-Fi for
internet browsers and keen researchers. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our student-residents are
provided with round-the-clock medical services, offered, primarily, from the on-campus clinic and
supplemented by the 24-7 readiness of the University ambulance service.

Sports Facilities
A variety of sports facilities are already in place on the campus, including a full-size soccer pitch laid with
grass, and five-a-side pitches laid with artificial turf. In addition, the University is constructing a new sports
centre, located to the South of the campus. The Centre will provide both all-weather and indoor sports
facilities for a host of different sports and is intended to be enjoyed by male and female students.
SOHAR

Sohar is a city in the Sultanate of Oman. It is located on the Gulf of Oman and is around 240 kilometers
north of the capital city, Muscat, and a similar distance from Dubai, in the neighboring United Arab
Emirates. The city is noted for its tradition of fishing, its extraordinary greenery, its modern port facilities and
rapidly growing industrial and commercial areas. The industrial area is host to many international
companies and is served by Sohar International Airport. As such, the city offers a wealth of career
opportunities, and Sohar University has built and is continuing to strengthen its industrial and commercial
partnerships in order to provide its students with undergraduate work-placement and internship
programmes.

The success of Sohar as an industrial and commercial hub, equipped to serve Oman and its partners in the
Middle East and beyond, remains a primary focus of Oman 2020, the government’s plan to boost
industrialization, enhance the logistical infrastructure and support local and offshore investment in the
private sector.

Sohar Fort

For the tourist and resident alike, Sohar offers a lengthy coastline with clean, sandy beaches and, of
course, the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. The local hotels also provide swimming pools, gyms, spa
amenities and restaurants. Beyond the city, there are mountains for the hill walker or dedicated climber
and, for the rambler or adventurous off-road driver, wadis with all-year spring water. The town centre
features an array of modern attractions, including a shopping mall and a gold souq. Traditional attractions
can be found in the beautiful architecture of the many mosques in Sohar which, by 2017, will be enhanced
further by the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which shall be the jewel in the crown of Sohar ’s
extraordinary architectural heritage, old and new, traditional and modern. Finally, the very history of the city
can be seen and explored in the newly- restored, late thirteenth century fort, which is located in a
particularly leafy area, overlooking the sea and opposite the beautiful Corniche, a favourite location of the
keen, evening walker.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Telecommunications and Internet Service Providers in Sohar:

Omantel is the national telecommunications service provider of the Sultanate of Oman. Omantel has offices
in every town and city in the country and there are two in Sohar, one of which is in the easy-to-find Safeer
Mall while the main customer service office is in the souq.

Ooreedo, is a private service provider and, similarly, is represented throughout the country. Ooreedo also
has offices in Safeer Mall and in the souq. Ask your colleagues which service they think is the best and you
will receive a variety of opinions. Your decision might be determined on the quality of the customer service
that you experience when visiting the respective companies’ offices.

Sohar Branch Communication Centre

SL Company
Telephone No. Telephone No.
1 Oman Telecommunication Company 1234 26840088
(Omantel)
2 Ooreedo (previously Nawras 1500 95022517
Telecom)

BANKS
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Most of the banks are located in the Souq, the popular shopping area that pre-dates the arrival of Safeer
Mall and the Lulu Hypermarket. The Souq is easily accessed by a modern road network, although you are
advised to find a parking place a walking distance from the bank that you are visiting, as parking next to it
will be difficult and won’t be worth the effort.

SL Bank Location in Sohar Phone

1 HSBC (The British Bank) Al Hambar/Souq 26844857
2 National Bank of Oman (main branch) Al Wuqaiba/Souq 26859106
3 Sohar Bank Al Wuqaibal/Souq 26842709
4 Dhofar Bank Al Wuqaiba/Souq 26845512
5 Bank Muscat (main branch) Al Wuqaiba/Souq 26751494
6 Oman Arab Bank Turaif 26842376
7 Habib Bank Limited Al Hambar/Souq 26843848
8 Nizwa Bank Al Wuqaiba/Souq 80070060
HEALTH CENTRES & HOSPITALS
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Treatment at the private hospitals and health centers in Oman is world-class and is covered by the health
insurance given to Sohar University staff. However, should they choose to do so, staff members can also
attend the government health centers, pay the treatment fees there, and claim a refund from the Human
Resources Department – when this is in accord with the terms and conditions agreed upon.

SL Hospital Location Phone

1 Sohar Medical Complex (government) Al Hambar 26840022
2 Al Multaqa Health Centre (government) Al Multaqa 26866051
3 Owaynat Health Centre (government) Owaynat 26721362
4 Turaif Health Centre (government) Turaif -
5 Al Raffah Medical Centre (Private) Al Hambar 26704300
6 Badr Al Samaa (Private) Al Wuqaiba 26846660
7 Lifeline hospital (Private) Falaj Al Qaba’Il 26753084

HOTELS
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Hotels numbered 1 to 6 in the table below cater to visitors and local residents alike. Each has a swimming
pool and a gymnasium and local residents can pay a 3, 6 or 12 monthly membership fee or pay a daily fee
to enjoy the facilities on offer.
Currently, the Sohar Beach hotel is very popular with local residents, affording beach-front facilities, a
restaurant and a newly refurbished gymnasium. The Crown Plaza offers a high level of luxury although the
hotel might be considered a little far out of town for residents who live in central Sohar or near the
University.

SL Hotel Location in Sohar Phone

1 Crowne Plaza Falaj Al Qaba’il 26850850
2 Sohar Beach Salan 26842111
3 Al Wadi Al Ghachbah 26840058
4 Radisson Blue Salan 26640000
5 Green Oasis Muwaileh 26846077
 6 Ibis Styles Coming in late 2016
7 Atlas Hotel Apartments Al Wuqaiba 26853009
8 Butterfly Hotel Apartments Salan 26844531
9 Manam Hotel Apartments Falaj Al Qaba’il 26841416
10 Oasis Hotel Apartments Al Auhi 26762717
11 Thuraya Hotel Apartments Falaj Al Qaba’il 26750116
12 Sadaf Hotel Apartments Al Hajra 26841316
13 Mabahej Granada Apartments Al Hambar 26844540

SHOPPING
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Carrefour and Lulu, the biggest hypermarket chains in the region, are represented in Sohar. There is also a
huge variety of hypermarkets, supermarkets and local shops which sell prepared and fresh foods and a
host of consumer goods, including large, domestic appliances. The resident consumer of Sohar will want
for nothing in his or her shopping experience.

SL Commercial Centre Location in Sohar

1 Safeer Mall, including Carrefour Turaif
2 Sohar Plaza Al Wuqaiba
3 Lulu Hypermarket Wadi Hibi Road
4 Meera Hypermarket Salan
5 Grand Hypermarket Al Hajra
6 National Markets Falaj Al Qaba’il
7 Kimji Al Hambar
8 Sohar International Gifts Turaif
9 Capital Store Al Wuqaiba
10 AL-Jazeera Markets Al Wuqaiba
11 Sohar Market Al Hajra
12 Sohar Market (Souq area) Al Hambar
TRAVEL & TOURISM OFFICES
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Travel and tourism offices offer regular and special flight bookings. Most of their offices are located in the Al
Hambar Al Wuqaiba commercial areas, known locally as ‘the souq’.

SL Office Phone
1 National Travel and Tourism Bureau 26841412
2 Al Hashar Travel and Tourism 26845507
3 Al Shanfari Travel and Tourism 26846388
4 Bahwan Travel Agencies 26846516
5 Dubai Travel 26843344
6 Marmul Travel and Tourism 26845988
7 Ihab Travels 26840316

HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION FOR STAFF

Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Here are several real estate offices in Sohar to help you find accommodation.

SL Office Location Phone number

99353409
1 Sohar Oasis Real Estate Al Hambar
99385602
95951002
2 Arkan Sohar Real Estate Al Hambar
99227785
3 Muhammed Amer AL-Jumhuri Turaif 99782743
NOTE: These offices are private and are not affiliated with Sohar University in any way.

Housing rates in Sohar

SL Location Type Approximate Price OMR

Two-bedroom apartment with utilities 150 – 200
1 Aotb – Khor Siyabi- Sawaihreh
Ground floor villa 200 -300
Two-bedroom apartment with utilities 150 – 200
2 Al Ghayl – Shizaw – Sabara
Ground floor villa 250 – 300
Alhambar- Al Wuqaiba – Two-bedroom apartment with utilities 150 – 200
3
Alhajra Ground floor villa 250 – 300
Two-bedroom apartment with utilities 150 – 250
4 Turaif-Al Gashbah- Al Auhi
Ground floor villa 200 – 300
NOTE: the above-mentioned rates may change and are subject to demand and supply. It should be mentioned that
very few apartments are furnished and equipped with air conditioning units – which you will need.
RESTAURANTS
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

You can enjoy Arabic, Turkish, Indian, Chinese and Iranian dishes as well as sea food at the following
selected restaurants:
SL Restaurant Location Phone number
1 Pizza Hut Al Hambar 26841155
2 KFC Al Hambar 24477777
3 McDonald’s Turaif 26853133
4 Dawat Souq
5 Fast-food Complex at Assarain Service Centre Ghail Shaboul
6 Restaurants and cafes of Safeer Mall Turaif
7 Sohar Plaza Restaurants Complex Al Wuqaiba 26844617
8 Dhow MARINA Restaurant Al Hajra 22046999
9 Food Land Restaurant Turaif
10 Spicy Village Restaurant Al Wuqaiba
11 Golden Goal Restaurant Al Wuqaiba 26843900
12 Sunlight Restaurant Al Wuqaiba
13 Make yourself at home for Turkish, Arabic and Iranian food. Al Hambar 96366360
14 Arabic table restaurant for Omani and Yemeni food Al Hambar 98262999
15 Aleppo countryside restaurant Al Wuqaiba
16 Iran Sadaf Restaurant Al Wuqaiba
17 Indian House Restaurant Turaif
18 Omar Khayyam Restaurant Al Hambar 26844606

TRANSPORTATION
Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

There is no public transport in Sohar other than taxis. Taxis are ordinary family sedans painted orange and
white. They will stop to pick you up if you signal them. Taxis are not fitted with meters and it is the custom
to simply give the driver what is accepted as an appropriate fee. Standardized fees, which are not high, are
detailed below.
If you want to travel to Muscat or to the outlying towns of Shinas, Liwa, Al Buraimi –or to the UAE – you can
go to the taxi ranks, which are located at the flyover between Lulu Hypermarket and the Oman Gift Market,
and take a taxi from there. The regular fare, when traveling with other passengers, is 200 baiza per
kilometer. Fares for passengers who choose not to share are not as cheap, but are usually negotiable. In
2016, the taxi fare to Muscat, some 240 kilometers away, is just 10 riyals.
Taxis might also be mini buses and you will learn to recognize them.
They too will stop to pick you up if you signal them.

Car rentals:
You can hire a car to suit your needs by visiting any of the car rental offices in Sohar. These will offer a
range of vehicles, from small, family sedans to purpose-built, off-road vehicles for desert exploration.
SL Office Location in Sohar Phone number
22005321
1 Al-Fakhama Rent A Car Al Wuqaiba
95500892
26840392
2 Budget Rent A Car Al Wuqaiba
99263557
3 Gold Star Rent A Car Al Wuqaiba 91677200
4 Sohar Rent A Car Al Hambar 96602404
5 Hamdani Office Rent A Car Al Wuqaiba

Car purchasing:
Almost all of the major car manufacturers are represented at sales rooms in Sohar. There is also a lively,
used car market and you will soon learn where private vendors park cars that they are offering for sale. A
colleague or local resident can advise you on this. We do not want to show favoritism, especially as car
buying can be guided by personal preference, but it should be noted that Japanese cars do well in Oman’s
extremely hot climate, their air conditioning units are efficient and reliable (and you will need them to be)
and they tend to command higher resale prices. In addition, local mechanics are adept at repairing them
and can source a vast supply of cheap, good quality used spare parts to help you keep service and repair
costs down.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SOHAR

Services Available in the Governate of Sohar

Every school listed below provides morning classes. For verification on changed timings, where they might
have occurred, contact the school.

SN Code Public School Village Phone No.

1 2123 Wisdom Basic School, grades (1- 4) Al Hambar 26843492
2 2124 Al Ishraq Basic School,grades (1- 4) Al Hambar 26840243
3 2127 Ryiadh Al Ilm Basic School, grades (1- 4) Salan 26840683
4 2153 Al Hambar Basic School, grades (1- 4) Al Hambar 26843235
5 2155 Al Karama Basic School, grades (1- 4) Al Turaif 26840114
6 2157 Al Ahd Al Zahir Basic School, grades (1- 4) Ghil Al Shubul 26841339
7 2160 Al Rkhaa Basic School, grades (1- 4) Harat Al Sheikh 92296058
8 2163 Al Suwihira Basic School, grades (1- 4) Al Suwihira 26845473
9 2164 Hind bint Al Muhallab Basic School grades (1- 4) Al Afifa 92827435
10 2103 Khalfan bin Jamil basic school boys grades (5-10) Al Hadhira 26840575
11 2107 Sofyiene Abbad basic school boys grades (5-10) Al Ghashba 26866206
12 2109 Mahboob bin Al Ruhail basic school boys grades (5-10) Falaj Alqabael 26750066
Mohammed bin Mahboob Al Ruhail basic school boys
13 2111 Al Awidat 26720966
grades (5-10)
14 2113 Seif bin Hubaira basic school boys grades (5-10) Al Suwaihera 26720488
15 2115 Imam Ahmad bin Said basic school boys grades (5-10) Al Hambar 26842791
16 2117 Abu Hamza Al Shari basic school boys grades (5- 10) Majz Al Kubra 26720909
17 2121 Abu Almundher Al Ruhaili basic school boys grades (5-12) HAIBI 99805645
18 2141 Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Kindi basic school boys grades Wadi Aljezi 25669256
 (5-12)
Abdullah bin Basheer Al Hadhrami basic school boys
19 2125 Al Turaif 26842215
grades (5-10)
20 2143 Abu Malik Alaslani basic school boys grades (5- 10) Sih Al Barir 99874151
21 2159 Ali Ibn Abi Talib basic school boys grades (5-10) Al Khuawryia -
22 2126 Al Turaif Basic School – girls grades (5-10) Al Turaif 26843926
23 2131 Al Shifaa bint Abdullah Basic School – girls (5-10) Majis 26750077
24 2133 Al Safaa Basic School – girls (5-10) Al Hambar 26843380
25 2135 Um Saleem Basic School – girls (5-10) Al Afifa 26866335
26 2139 Tabuk Basic School – girls (5-10) Salan 26842565
27 2156 Al Turaif Basic School – girls (5-10) Al Suwaihira 26720492
28 2110 Al Fatah Basic School grades (1- 10) Falaj Al Qabael 26751497
29 2147 Wadi Al Halti Basic School grades (1- 10) Al Maarsha 99879807
30 2149 Dhammam bin Al Saieb Basic School grades (1- 10) Al Shaibat 99854151
31 2142 Wad Al Jezi Basic School grades (1- 10) Wadi Al Jezi 25669255
32 2119 Um Ammar Basic School grades (1- 10) Al Malqa 26751810
33 2122 Wadi Haibi Basic School grades (1- 10) Haibi 99805644
34 2144 Al Istiqama Basic School grades (1- 10) Sih Al Barir 99802567
Aisha bint Saad bint Abi Waqqas Basic School grades (1-
35 2145 Al Khadd 99805646
10)
36 2162 Al Rissala Basic School grades (1- 10) Al Aouinaat 26720613
37 2155 Naeem bin Masoud school for boys – grades (11- 12) Al Malqa 26750661
38 2101 Sohar school for boys – grades (11- 12) Al Hambar 26840198
39 2152 Masoud bin Ramadhan school for boys – grades (11- 12) Al Turaif 26843585
40 2129 Um Salama school for girls – grades (11- 12) Al Hambar 26841574
41 2150 Hawaa bint Yazeed school for girls – grades (11- 12) Falaj Al Uhi 26844828

PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN SOHAR

Educational Grade Phone
SL Private School Village
program levels number
1 Indian School Alhambar International 1 - 12 26841885
2 Pakistan School Alhambar International 1 - 12 99776920
3 Bangladeshi School Alloukibh Universal 1–8 99063808
4 Sohar International Turaif International 3- 11 26846434
5 Sohar International (Branch) Owaynat International 1-2 26720206
6 Batinah International Muwaileh International 1 - 11 95607199
7 A’ssafwah Private School Owaynat Bilingual 1–8 26721172
8 Knowledge Oasis Private School Turaif Bilingual 1-6 95355919
9 Khwarizmi Private School Falaj Al Qaba’Il Bilingual 1–8 26750696
10 Al Nomou Private School Falaj Al Qaba’Il Bilingual 1-4 26753676
11 AL Falj Private Nursery AL Hajra Bilingual 1-7 26846669
12 Faydh Nour Private School Falaj Alauha Bilingual 1-6 98535655
13 Al Mawakib Private School Al Moltaqua Bilingual 1-3 26866137
14 Ahmed bin Saeed Private School Turaif Bilingual 1-6 26843477
15 Souihra Private School Souihra Bilingual First 92234684
Baraiim Al Mostakbal Private
16 Al Hambar Bilingual First 26842452
School
17 Nour Al Manahel Private School Salan Bilingual First 26844900
Nour Al Mostakbel Private
18 Falaj Al Qaba’Il Monolingual First 99590824
School
19 Al Dhahabia Private Nursery Al Gachba Monolingual 1-2 95525118
20 Al Maany Private School Turaif Monolingual First 98173404
21 Al Ghad Private School Harat Cheikh Bilingual KG 99539387
22 Kanadil Al Ilm Private Nursery Al Jafraa Nursery First 92798499
23 Rawaiih Al Ilm Private Nursery Falaj Al Qaba’Il Nursery KG 95992240
Batinah for Teaching the Holy
Al Hambar The Holy Koran KG 92556105
Quran
Al Wafaa for Teaching the Holy
25 Falaj Al Qaba’Il The Holy Koran KG 93247161
Quran
Sohar Baraiim for Yeaching the
26 Al Wuqaiba The Holy Koran KG 99605927
Holy Quran
Al Itkan for Teaching the Holy
27 Al Gachba The Holy Koran KG 99519150
Quran
HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance provides a health coverage system, in line with the terms and conditions that were agreed
upon in the insurance policy between the University and the insurer. Insurance coverage usually includes
medical consultations, lab tests, medication, surgery and hospital stays, including stays in intensive care
units.
Treatment given outside a hospital or other medical service provider might include medical consultation,
medication, lab tests and daily care given by a nurse.
Sohar University’s insurance policies cover all countries except Canada and the United States. This
includes and applies to all optional treatment or to emergencies, and applies whether the employee is on
vacation or on official duty on behalf of the University.

Health Insurance provided to University Staff

According to the laws and regulations of Sohar University, an employee must have health insurance. There
are two types of insurance – life and health insurance. Life insurance is based on the basic salary of the
employee during the year.
Only a University employee’s wife or husband and two of their children under the age of 18 are eligible for
health insurance coverage. Sohar University does not always renew a contract with an insurance company,
and employees are informed, in good time, when a change of insurer is to be made.
Procedures to Follow for Health Insurance for Employees and their Families.

Employees of the University must bring a photograph and photographs of each member of their families
when insurance coverage or insurance renewal is sought for family members. These photographs will be
used to make valid, up-to-date health insurance cards. They shall also need to bring passports copies and
copies of their visas, to prove that their family members should come under the umbrella of insurance
coverage offered by the University and so that the correct details about the family members can be entered
on the insurance cards. It usually takes no more than a week for new health insurance cards to be issued.

The Basics of Emergency Treatment Abroad while on Vacation or while Employed

The maximum period of time allowed for submitting medical bills is 45 days for each vacation or period of
employment carried out on behalf of the University while abroad.
Compensation is limited only to the time spent on each period abroad.
Treatment costs are fixed to the actual, reasonable and acceptable treatment fees in Oman, even if the
treatment fees in Oman are lower.

Procedures for Treatment in Network Hospitals/Medical Centers/Clinics

This is a very simple process. When attending a medical Centre for treatment, card holders present the
health insurance card to the receptionist and he or she will enter the information on the medical center’s
computer records. This information will include the card holders’ names, places of employment and so
forth, and their phone numbers. This latter is useful as, on subsequent visits, the card holders’ information
is accessed quickly via their telephone numbers. Bills for treatment are sent by the medical Centre to the
insurance company; card holders need to do nothing. Quite often, the medical Centre will phone the
insurance company to get approval for certain categories of treatment. Sometimes, this will take a few
minutes but it might take days. If card holders cannot or choose not to wait, they can pay for their medical
treatment and, if the insurance company later approves and will cover the costs, the card holders will be
reimbursed. Medical centers usually contact the card holders to let them know that a refund is waiting for
them. They tend to do this unfailingly.

Procedures to Follow to Claim Compensation in the Instance of Treatment Given Outside Network
Hospitals
In the case that employees go for treatment outside the hospitals which are not covered by their insurance
policy, they will have to pay for their treatment and reclaim the cost by submitting, within a period of 45
days from the date of treatment, the following documents to HR & Organizational Development. It is
worth mentioning that submission of complete and properly documented paperwork, as required, facilitates
the refund process.

1. The claim form, completed by the treating physician and signed and approved by the hospital or
 medical service provider.
2. Prescription for medication
3. The original payment receipt, showing the date and all other necessary details.
4. Authorization form for treatment, if any.
5. The original and detailed treatment reports and lab test reports
6. A copy of the employee’s health insurance card
7. A detailed summary of the patient’s health condition

Hospitals in Sohar covered by your card:

It should be noted that many of the medical service providers have branches throughout Oman and your
insurance card will be accepted at these. Every medical centre has its own pharmacy where your medical
card is accepted. Choosing which centre to visit for treatment might simply be a matter of following a
colleague’s recommendation. It should be stressed to the newcomer who is unfamiliar with life in Oman or
in the Middle East, that the clinics in Oman prove world-class medical treatment.

There are many pharmacies in Sohar and too many to list here. Some are branches of the Muscat
Pharmacy group while others are independent. Pharmacies are also located in the Safeer mall and in the
Lulu hypermarket. There is a pharmacy one kilometer from the University. It is simple to find one without
any help but, to make things a bit quicker, just asks a colleague. This list, which names only the largest
medical centres, is current at the time of writing (summer, 2016).

Type Name Address Phone

Main Centre: Sohar souq flyover,
Hosp/clinic Al Raffa Centre 26841200
between Lulu and Modern Home
Hosp/clinic Lifeline Hospital By the flyover, industrial area
Clinic Al Hayat Centre Close to Souq Al Juma 26845104
Clinic Al Hikma Clinic Close to the old hospital, in the souq 99410923
Hosp/clinic Badr Al Samaa Hospital Main Centre: Sohar souq flyover 2684660
Hosp/clinic Muscat Private Hospital Muscat. No branch in Sohar
SPECIALIZATION & SERVICES PROVIDED BY HUMAN RESOURCES

The HR & Organizational Development Department at Sohar University is responsible for, but not limited
to the following:
1. Implementing Omani Labor Law and University procedures and regulations.
2. Finalizing recruitment procedures for new academic and administrative staff, in coordination with the
respective authorities.
3. Preparation of the annual budget for the department.
4. Calculating salaries and financial benefits for University staff
5. Completing travel procedures for expatriates and their families and issuing them with tickets, in
coordination with the Procurement Service.
6. Preparing and approving air ticket encashment requests according to University rules and regulations.
7. Preparing health and life insurance cards to those who are eligible, according to University
regulations.
8. Monitoring employees’ daily attendance.
9. Implementation of the provisions and procedures set forth in Oman Labor Law and the regulations of
the University, with respect to appointments, promotions and bonuses, vacations, end of service
procedures and visas.
10. Following up the implementation of decisions taken by the University administration.
11. Maintaining records of University staff.
12. Providing services to staff in terms of work permits, visas and resident cards, according to the laws
and regulations in force in Oman.
13. Welcoming new arrived staff at the airport and cancelling the visas of those who conclude their period
of service at the University.
14. Granting recognized certificates, as per University rules and regulations.
15. Taking legal action against those who break the law.

SERVICES PROVIDING BY HR & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Services provided by the Human Resources Department to new, overseas staff members upon their arrival
in Oman:
1. Welcoming employees at the airport and providing free transportation, in Sohar, to and from the
University, for a period of seven days.
2. Providing a cash advance of 1000 RO for new, overseas staff, to be deducted from the monthly salary
at a rate of 250 RO per month, in coordination with the Department of Finance.

New Staff Members

New staff members, whom we shall call ‘employees’, for the purposes of this section, should present
themselves to the Human Resources Department within two days of their date of arrival in Oman and, in
order to complete the procedures related to their employment contract, medical examination and resident
card, in addition to issuing health and life insurance coverage, they should submit their passport and 6
passport sized photographs.

Other Services Offered upon Request:

Family Visa
A family visa is granted to expatriate employees and their children under the age of 21. It will be validity for
two years from the day the visa is stamped on the passport and should be used within three months of
issue date. The family visa is the multiple entry/re-entry type, which means that the visa holder can travel
outside Oman and return. The fee for a family visa is 30 RO and is paid by the employee.
The fine for not renewing or registering residence in Oman within thirty days from the day of entry is 20 RO
for each month.

Conditions
Children covered by the family visa must be under the age of 21. It should be noted that residence is
cancelled when the child reaches 21. A family visa is issued to brothers and sisters of the University
employee only if they are under 18 years old. Brothers and sisters of the University employee will need to
submit documents to prove that they have no one to support them outside Oman. Persons granted family
visas are not entitled to work in Oman, even if the work is unpaid. Moreover, their resident cards become
invalid when the university employee’s residence visa expires. However, they can apply to the appropriate
authorities for permission to remain in Oman.

Required Documents
1. A copy of the visa applicant’s passport, which should be valid for no less than six months, in addition
to a copy of the resident card.
2. Two 4x6 cm photographs.
3. A passport copy and proof of kinship, unless names and data recorded in the passports prove kinship.
4. The wife of the University employee should attach an original copy of the marriage contract, certified
by her country’s embassy and the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. A medical examination certificate, for those who are 15 years old and above and coming from, in the
first instance, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka,
Syria or Sudan. For other countries, please check with the Human Resources Department. The
examination must be certified and approved by the Ministry of Health in Oman.

Visitor’s Visa for Relatives

A visitor’s visa is granted to the University employees’ relatives and is done so at their request and on their
responsibility. Visitor’s visas are not issued to friends of the employee. The visa must be used within six
months of the issue date and is valid for three months from the date of entry.
The visitor’s visa is not a multiple entry/re-entry visa and allows visitors to make only one exit from the
country. However, the visa can be extended by one month, at a cost of 20 RO. Delays in departure which
cause visa holders to extend their stay in the country are met with a fine of 10 RO per day.

Documents required for a Visitor’s Visa

1. One copy of a passport that is valid for no less than 6 months
2. Two 4x6 cm photographs
3. A copy of the employee’s passport (to verify kinship)
4. A letter of undertaking from the employee’s sponsor, assuming responsibility for the family visitors
during their stay in Oman. The letter should also detail the nature of the kinship

Study Visa
A study visa is granted to a non-Omani, coming to study in Oman, upon request and is the responsibility of
the local sponsor, provided that the sponsor has a license, issued by the proper authority, to operate a
training or educational institute.
A study visa must be used within three months of the date of issue and is valid for up to 2 years from the
date of entry. It can be renewed for the same period of validity if the holders are still studying and provided
that they submit a letter, issued by their educational or training institute and which proves that they are still
studying.

The study visa is the multiple entry/re-entry type, so, holders can make any number of flights out of the
country. A study visa costs 30 RO

Documents required for a Study Visa

1. A downloaded, electronic application form, certified and stamped by the sponsor. It should be typed in
Arabic for Arab nationals and in English for non-Arab nationals
2. Two 4x6 cm photographs
3. A passport which is valid for no less than 6 months
4. For private sector institutes, a copy of the signature of the authorized personnel issued by the Ministry
of Trade and Industry.

When applying through a representative other than the sponsor, the representative must be Omani and
have a written authorization from the sponsor, certified by the directorate.
Passports and Residency Permits for Studying
A medical examination card must be approved by the Ministry of Health for those coming from, in the first
instance, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria or
Sudan. For other countries, please check with the Human Resources Department.
Study visa applicants must present an official document of approval of the sponsor to allow overseas
students to study in Oman, in addition to a cover letter from the sponsor in which details about the type and
duration of study period are given.

Resident Card Renewal

Resident cards expire on the date specified in the passport. To begin the process of renewing a resident
card, the University employees, their accompanying persons (family members) or study visa holders
students must deliver the following documents to the Human Resources Department one week before the
visa expiry date:
1. Passport
2. A copy of the original resident card
3. Four 4 x 6 cm photographs

If continued residency is for the purpose of study, the visa applicant will need to produce a letter of
admission for the current academic year.

Notes
The charge for the renewal of a family visa is 30 RO. There is no charge for the renewal of other visas. The
fee for issuing a resident card is 10 RO. A resident card is obligatory for those aged fifteen and above.

The fine for not obtaining or renewing a resident card is 20 RO for each month, to be paid by the University
employee.

The final notice period for residency renewal is one month from the date of visa expiry. If the visa expires
while the visa holders are outside Oman, the visa becomes invalid and the holders can only enter Oman if
they are issued with a new visa.

Holders of the following visas are allowed to stay outside Oman (for example – and only for example –
while on holiday, while studying or training or on employment attachment):

Work visa holders must not stay outside Oman for more than 6 months, otherwise the visa will be
automatically canceled and the holders will not be able to re-enter Oman until their sponsors issue them
with a new visa.

Accompanying person visa holders can stay outside Oman no later than one week prior to the expiry date
of the visa. It is also necessary to notify the sponsor to take the necessary sponsorship renewal and/or visa
renewal procedures immediately upon their arrival in Oman.

A visit visa expires when the visa holder leaves Oman if it is not a multiple entry/re-entry type. If the visa
expires while the person is still in Oman, a fine of 10 RO is payable for each day that the holder remains in
the country.

Alcoholic Beverages Permit

The Directorate General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation is the only authority to which to apply for an
alcoholic beverages permit. The following documents must be submitted with the application form to the
ROP Offices located in Ruwi, Muscat:

1. Passport copy
2. ID card or resident card
3. Two 4 x 6 cm photographs
4. Certificate of no criminal record (this will be issued by the DGICI or by the relevant authority in the
applicant’s home country. Check with the Department of Human Resources or colleagues who have
already obtained a permit)
5. Letter of approval from the sponsor – if the applicant is an employee from overseas

The permit application fees are set, currently, at 3 RO and there will be a further subscription fee of 30 RO.
CONTACT OF HR & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DERARTMENT STAFF

Contact Details of Human Resources & Organizational Development Department Staff– team.
SL Name Post Ext
Director of Human Resources and Organizational
1 Mr. Abdullah Ali Al Hinai 423
Development
2 Ms. Iman Musabah Al Marzouqi Head of Recruitment & End of Service Section 253
3 Ms. Maryam Said Al Amri Head of Staff Development Section 448
4 Mr. Zaher Hamed AL Hosni Senior of Staff Service Section 204
5 Ms. Shamsa Salim Al Beriki Ticketing & Health Insurance Officer 365
Administrative Officer in Recruitment & End of Service
6 Ms. Nusaiba Mohammed Al Balushi 217
Section
7 Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Balushi Public Relation Officer in Staff Service Section 519
8 Mr. Abdullah Mubarak Al Nofli Administrative Officer in Staff Service Section 320
Administrative Clerk in Recruitment & End of Service
9 Mr. Majid Mohammed AL Issai 156
Section
Administrative Officer in Recruitment & End of Service
10 Ms. Najia Abdullah AL Farsi 136
Section
11 Mr. Iman Al Rashid Hashmi Administrative Officer in Staff Service Section 320
12 Mr. Ahmed Yousef Al Azaani Payroll & Leaves Officer in Payroll & Leaves Section 268
 Appendix

Staff Complaints & Grievance Policy & Procedures

Version 2.0

Policy Code/Category SU – 1.1 / Grievance and Complaints

Purpose To outline SU’s policy and procedures on staff

complaints and grievances.

Scope This procedures applies to the resolution of all staff

grievances and complaints at the University.

DMS File Number

File Location Q-Drive

Related Documents HR Policy

Key words

Prepared by HRD

Approved by EMC and HRC

Approval date EMC – 18/09/2018, HRC 07/10/2018

Review date 2021

 Introduction
Introduction
The University aims to provide a very high standard of service to staff. However, problems do occur
and sometimes the service may not be up to expected standards. In such cases, a formal complaint
/ grievance may be made. The University aims to deal openly, fairly and effectively with any
comments and/or complaint / grievance about its services, and to offer an appropriate remedy to
anyone who is adversely affected by a service which fails to meet specified standards.
The University seeks to continuously improve its services and regularly monitors any comments
and/or complaint / grievance received to ensure the utmost effectiveness of its practices and
procedures for addressing them.
The complaint/ grievance procedures can be used to complain about any service the University
provides that does not appear to be up to the required standard. It may be used by all staff.
The University will not penalize anyone in any way for making a complaint / grievance about services
provided.
Complaints/ grievances will be investigated as fairly, openly and as quickly as possible. However,
some grievances are complicated and it may take some time to obtain the information needed to
reach a fair decision.

Informal Procedures
uction
Any member of staff, the complainant, can make a complaint about one of the following issues:
- Employee Rights
- University Decisions
- Working System
- Problems with Colleagues
- University Services
The complaint / grievance can be raised informally with the staff member’s line manager. The line
manager is responsible for trying to solve the complaint / grievance in a friendly way. It is also the
responsibility of the line manager to inform the relevant authority of the complaint / grievance.

Formal Procedures
1- If a complaint/ grievance is not resolved informally, the complainant / aggrieved
employee must present the details of the grievance in writing to the Human Resources
Manager as soon as possible after the event(s) concerned, and normally within two weeks.
Any delays may make it difficult to investigate. The complainant /aggrieved employees
must provide:

Name
Contact address, telephone / mobile number and email address
Date on which the problem arose
Whether anyone else was affected, or saw what happened
The response sought from the line manager

It is the complainant /aggrieved employee’s responsibility to provide all the relevant evidence that
supports the complaint /grievance. The complaint / grievance will be looked into by the Human
Resources Manager (HRM). Where additional evidence emerges, it must be submitted as soon as
possible.
Anonymous complain/ grievance cannot be dealt with because a response cannot be provided.

In the case of a Grievance

  If the HRM does not provide an answer within five working days, or if the answer given is not
to the satisfaction of the aggrieved employee, then he/she may appeal the decision. Appeals
must be sent to the office of the VC and/or relevant DVC or PVC within five working days.

 The Dean / Manager / HRM should provide all the relevant documentation to the VC and/or
DVC/PVC within two days of presentation of the appeal.

 The VC and/or DVC/PVC shall discuss the grievance with the related parties and give a
reply to the employee within ten working days from the date of receipt of the petition.


In the case of a Complaint

 The Human Resources Manager will meet with all parties involved in the complaint and try to
resolve the issue in the human resources department.

o If the parties agree to settle the complaint, then everything will be documented in a
report for the Vice Chancellor and/or the DVC-R and the complaint will be closed.

o If the parties do not reach a settlement, then the Human Resources Manager will send
a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor and/or the DVC-R to form an Investigation
Committee to investigate the complaint.

 The Investigation Committee will hear the complainant, any witnesses, and the person the
complaint has been made against. The Committee will look at all the evidence provided to
support the complaint, study the case and issue a report about the case along with a
recommendation within two weeks from the date the Committee meets.

 The Vice Chancellor and/or the DVC-R may need in some case to seek Legal Advice before
approving the Committee’s recommendation.
Note:
Legal action may be taken if a false complaint / grievance is made against a member of staff.