Oman’s Labour Ministry has announced sweeping reforms governing the employment of domestic workers, strengthening protections across the sector.
The law applies to a wide range of professions, including household staff, drivers, nannies, gardeners, agricultural workers, residential guards, home nurses, cooks, and animal caretakers—a sector that is dominated by expat workers, and recognising them as vital contributors to Oman’s domestic labour sector.
Key reforms announced include banning the hiring of domestic workers under the age of 21, regularising working hours, overtime wages, mandatory paid time off, and sick days.
Domestic workers may not work more than 12 hours per day and must be granted at least eight hours of rest, with each worker entitled to one paid day off per week.
The regulations guarantee a minimum of 21 days of paid annual leave and up to 30 days of paid sick leave per year.
The new law prohibits forced labour, harassment, the confiscation of passports or personal documents, and charging recruitment fees.
Workers are now empowered to terminate their employment without notice in cases of abuse, fraud, or wage delays, with employers remaining responsible for end-of-service benefits and repatriation costs.
The Ministry stressed that these provisions are in line with Royal Decree No. 53/2023 and Oman’s Vision 2040, which aim to modernise the labour market and promote ethical employment standards.
Employers and employees have been granted a three-month grace period to regularise their status in line with the new regulation.
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