Shura committee proposes long-term cultural visa

In its report, the Media and Culture Committee of the Shura expressed a desire to create a long-term cultural visa for ten years.

The Shura claimed that the proposed cultural visa scheme would help the Sultanate benefit from the contributions of creative minds and specialists in the intellectual and knowledge fields, which will enhance the cultural scene of the Sultanate.

It is also in line with the country's cultural strategy seeking to create a harmonious and sustainable society that attracts and embraces the most prominent Arab and international creative talents, the report said.

The committee said there is a need to pay attention to promoting the cultural fields in the Sultanate by providing visas to intellectuals and writers who deserve such facilities.

This time of visa will help to overcome the challenges, such as a long period taken for approvals, and allow the cultural experts and artists to participate in the events organised by the competent authorities, the report said.

The committee stressed the importance of creating an environment that attracts intellectuals through the concerted efforts of all the authorities concerned with cultural affairs and other authorities concerned with visa and residence procedures for intellectuals from outside the Sultanate of Oman.

It may be noted that the UAE issues a long-term cultural visa to attract talented people, artists, and creators.