MUSCAT: Oman on Wednesday revealed the list of 103 countries whose nationals will be exempted from entry visa for a stay up to 10 days in the country.

Speaking to The Arabian Stories, top government and corporate officials have welcomed the “big move” at a time when the government is battling hard to rescue the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil crisis. “This decision will not only boost the tourism sector but also will help the economy and strengthen relations with these countries,” said a top official at the Foreign Ministry.

Asian countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are also in the list. “That’s a very smart move by the government. By introducing visa-free entry, Oman wants to convey the world a message that it wants to do serious business and boost its economy,” said Rakesh Nair, Managing Director of Creative Glass Engineering.

“We welcome this decision of Government of Oman. It will help boost tourism, expand business linkages and further strengthen people-to-people ties between our two friendly countries,” Indian Embassy in Muscat wrote on Twitter immediately after the list was published.

ROP said the citizens will be allowed to visit Oman for a period of 10 days without visa. Tourists must have confirmed hotel bookings, health insurance and a return ticket, ROP said. “This will certainly enhance tourism and boost local market in the country,” said a senior ROP official.

However, some people on social media urged then government to increase the tenure to at least 20 days. “10 days seems to be a short period for tourists to visit Oman between North and South. Ideally 20 days will be more than enough for tourists especially those with families to visit Oman,” said Khalfan Al Rahby.