Is my employer in Oman doing something illegal?

Hi all, I started working as a tutor for one of the colleges here in Muscat a month ago, which I don't want to name (YET). So far I am still on a tourist visa and haven't signed any contact. When I asked about these things, they said my visa application is going through security at the moment and I can't sign the contract until the papers come back, which I don't know whether to believe or not. I want to know if this a common situation here. I would appreciate any comments. Thank you!