MUSCAT: Expat residents who are currently outside the country can return to Oman by applying for approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), The Arabian Stories has learnt.

Highly placed sources has confirmed that approvals are given on case-by-case manner and resident visa holders can return to the country, provided they get approval from MoFA.

“Those stranded outside the country can get in touch with the Oman embassy in that respective country for advise,” said the source.

TAS has confirmed that 23 students who are studying in the United States, Canada and Europe and holding valid Oman resident visas have returned home in the last few days. Easy Travel and Tours facilitated the travel and approvals for the students to return home. “We have facilitated the travel including getting approvals of 23 students who are residents of Oman. They have all arrived over the last few days from US, Canada and Europe,” said Ejaz Kazi of Easy Travels.

Hundreds of residents are stranded outside the country after the airports were closed following the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the Supreme Committee on Tuesday allowed Omanis to travel abroad provided they strictly follow the precautionary measures.