Oman Introduces New Labor Law for Domestic Workers

Oman has unveiled a new set of regulations for domestic workers that aim to improve working conditions, ensure fair treatment, and modernize employment practices.

The new decision replaces the earlier Ministerial Decision, officially taking effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette. Outdated recruitment forms for foreign workers have also been scrapped. Both employers and workers have been granted a three-month grace period to bring existing contracts into compliance with the new law.

The regulation applies to a broad range of domestic professions, including housemaids, drivers, nannies, gardeners, cooks, security guards, nurses, and animal caretakers. It legally recognizes these workers as key contributors to Oman’s labour force and guarantees them baseline rights that cannot be reduced or waived under any contract.

Under the new framework, domestic staff may not work more than 12 hours a day, excluding breaks and meal times. They must receive at least eight hours of uninterrupted rest daily. Employers may request up to two hours of paid overtime, but only with the worker’s written consent.

Workers are also entitled to one fully paid day off per week. If they agree to work on their rest day, they must be compensated with either double pay or a substitute day off.

Domestic workers will now receive a minimum of 21 days of paid annual leave and up to 30 days of paid sick leave per year with a valid medical certificate. During this period, they cannot be required to work.

Employers are obligated to pay salaries within seven days of the due date, either via bank transfer or signed receipt, in Omani rials or any mutually agreed currency. Deductions are permitted only in specific situations—such as negligence-related damage, court fines, or repayment of a loan—and cannot exceed 25% of the total wage.

The law strictly prohibits forced labour, harassment, and confiscation of passports. It also bars the employment of anyone under 21 years of age and forbids employers from demanding recruitment fees or assigning workers to duties outside their contractual role.

Employers must provide decent housing, food, health insurance, and transport, and are required to keep employment records for at least one year after contract termination. All contracts must now be electronically registered with the Ministry of Labour to improve transparency and oversight.

Workers are legally permitted to resign without notice in cases of abuse, fraud, or unpaid wages, while still being entitled to end-of-service benefits and repatriation costs.

They are also exempt from paying court fees in labour disputes and can be represented in court by licensed recruitment offices. Employers found violating the new rules may face fines between OMR 50 and OMR 500, multiplied by the number of affected workers.