Can you be in Oman while waiting for employment visa?

I am not sure about you actually working on a tourist visa. From my understanding it should be ILLEGAL in any country. my suggestion would be don't do illegal stuff in a new country !

I wouldn't be working until the employment visa is processed of course, it is more for myself and personal reasons to be there

http://www.omanairports.com/visaonarivals.asp

Go to the above link. It seems people from some countries can get on arrival tourist visa for 1 month and followed by a month extension. May be this is sufficient for your personal affairs till you get your employment visa. Btw, which company are you joining here...

An express visa should allow you to stay in the country and I am pretty sure you can change it into an employment one, within the country....

However, in matters of immigration, it is best to see expert advice, here is a link to the visa page.

http://www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_pr_visas_express.asp

Also if your Irish you could get Visa on Arrival in Oman, with the strength of your Passport alone.... you could get visa on arrival at seeb airport and once that expires you could travel to Dubai and the process continues.....

Thanks for the replies,I've actually  been to Oman before and I know I can get the tourist visa on arrival, my doubt is whether or not I am allowed to be in the country before even my express visa is given...makes sense?so I would get there before my express visa is given..is that ok?

Like is it ok to be there in a tourist visa and they can somehow change and give me my express visa in Oman, or sounding like I would have to go to Dubai for a week-end and come back in on my express visa..

I think you would have to make an exit out of the country and re-enter on an employment visa.

Here is another link I found.... however, if your currently in Oman, you could drop down to your employer's office, have a cup of tea and ask the PRO

http://www.omanet.om/english/useful/faq.asp