What households and workers should do
Before hiring through an office from 2027:
- 1
Step 1: Confirm the office is licensed
Check that the office holds a valid Ministry of Labour licence before paying anything or signing a service contract.
- 2
Step 2: Read the service contract
Check the recruitment period, the guarantee period and the refund or replacement terms in writing.
- 3
Step 3: Never pass costs on to the worker
Recruitment costs are between the employer and the office. Workers should report any office that asks them for money.
- 4
Step 4: Pay wages on time
Late or unpaid wages not only breach the Labour Law but can also cancel your right to a refund under the guarantee.
What the new regulation covers
Oman’s Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decision No. 390/2026, the Regulation Governing the Practice of Recruiting Non-Omani Manpower, under the Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023). It takes effect on 1 January 2027 and repeals Ministerial Decision No. 1/2011.
It applies to offices that recruit workers from abroad for households and businesses. Recruitment activity is restricted to offices licensed by the ministry, which will monitor them and take action against violations.
Protections for workers
No recruitment fees from workers: offices may not collect any amount or fee from recruited workers for recruitment or employment.
Passports stay with the worker: offices may not retain workers’ passports or official documents, except with the worker’s written consent.
Clear information: offices must use the prescribed job-offer and service-contract forms, arrange pre-entry medical examinations, and provide insurance coverage for each service contract.
Accredited partners abroad: offices must work with external agencies accredited by the relevant country’s diplomatic mission in Oman and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Guarantees and refunds for employers
Offices must recruit the worker within 45 days of the service contract unless a shorter period is agreed. The service guarantee runs from the start of work: two years for domestic workers and equivalent categories, and 90 days for workers recruited for establishments.
In specified circumstances, the office must refund the employer or, if agreed in writing, provide a replacement worker. The refund can be forfeited if the employer misrepresented working conditions, failed to pay wages for more than two consecutive months or three non-consecutive months in a year, or harassed or used violence against the worker.
Licensing conditions and penalties
A licence requires Omani ownership and authorised signatories, registration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, a financial guarantee of OMR 5,000, and suitable premises and worker accommodation. Violations can lead to warnings, administrative fines, or suspension or cancellation of the licence, without prejudice to criminal penalties under the Labour Law. Temporary labour authorisations are valid for 180 days and cannot be renewed.