Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and Yemen to the southwest. The country also has a significant coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Oman has offered refuge to individuals fleeing conflicts in neighboring countries, including Yemen, where the ongoing conflict has led to a significant displacement of people. Refugees and asylum-seekers in Oman live mainly in urban areas and the vast majority of them possess valid residence permits.

Oman is not a party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol. There are no specific national laws or administrative regulations governing the status of asylum-seekers or refugees. Although Oman is not party to the 1951 Convention and does not have a national framework regulating issues related to asylum, Article 36 of the Constitution prohibits refoulement. All non-citizens in Oman, including refugees and asylum-seekers who register with UNHCR, fall under national immigration laws. As per these immigration laws, legal residence in Oman can be obtained through work, investment, or family link. However, Oman's Foreign Residency Law encompasses some provisions providing for the rights and obligations of political refugees. Political refugee status can be granted by the Sultan's Royal Decree.