{"id":51948,"date":"2026-10-19T11:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T06:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finsoulnetwork.com\/om\/?p=51948"},"modified":"2026-10-18T19:13:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T14:13:44","slug":"oman-labour-law-expatriates-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finsoulnetwork.com\/om\/blog\/oman-labour-law-expatriates-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"New Labour Law in Oman for Expatriates 2026: Rules, Rights and Latest Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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New Labour Law in Oman for Expatriates 2026: Rules, Rights and Latest Updates<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Oman\u2019s labour laws determine how expatriates are hired, paid, protected at work, and released from employment. In 2026, foreign workers and employers need to understand the existing labor law under Royal Decree 53\/2023 and newer regulations affecting work permits and recruitment. These changes matter when accepting a job offer, renewing work authorization, changing employers, or resolving an employment dispute.<\/span><\/p>

The key point is that Oman has not replaced its entire labor law with a new law in 2026. Instead, the legal framework has developed through additional ministerial decisions. Some changes took effect in early 2026, while a new regulation governing the recruitment of non-Omani workers is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This guide explains Oman labour law for expatriates, including employment visa rules, salaries, working hours, leave, termination, and the practical steps workers can take to protect their rights.<\/span><\/p>

What Has Changed in Oman’s Labor Law in 2026?<\/b><\/h2>

Oman\u2019s main private-sector employment legislation remains Royal Decree 53\/2023, which came into force on 31 July 2023. It established the current framework for employment contracts, wages, working time, leave, termination and employer responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>

Additional ministerial decisions have introduced changes to work authorisation and recruitment procedures. These developments are important, but they do not mean every expatriate employment right has changed in 2026.<\/span><\/p>

Legislation or decision<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Main subject<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Status in 2026<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Royal Decree 53\/2023<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Main Labour Law for private-sector employment<\/span><\/p><\/td>

In force<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Ministerial Decision 602\/2025<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Work permits and work-practice licensing framework<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Effective from 26 January 2026<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Ministerial Decision 44\/2026<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Amendment to the work-authorisation framework<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Effective from 15 February 2026<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Ministerial Decision 390\/2026<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Regulation of recruitment of non-Omani workers<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Work permit and professional licensing changes<\/b><\/h3>

Oman regulates foreign employment through work authorisation requirements, including the relevant work permit and, where applicable, a licence to practise a particular occupation. The 2026 framework and its subsequent amendment make it important for employers to verify the authorisation required for each position.<\/span><\/p>

An expatriate should check that the approved occupation corresponds to the work described in the employment contract. A job offer alone does not establish permission to undertake employment, and an immigration visa should not be treated as a substitute for the necessary work authorisation.<\/span><\/p>

New recruitment rules taking effect in January 2027<\/b><\/h3>

Ministerial Decision 390\/2026 introduced a framework regulating the recruitment of non-Omani workers, with implementation scheduled for 1 January 2027. It addresses recruitment arrangements and the responsibilities of recruitment offices and relevant parties.<\/span><\/p>

For expatriates planning to move to Oman, the upcoming change is a reason to check recruitment arrangements carefully. Before paying recruitment-related charges or committing to a job, candidates should confirm the legitimacy of the recruitment office, the identity of the employer, and the terms of the proposed employment.<\/span><\/p>

Oman Employment Visa Rules for Expatriates<\/b><\/h2>

Foreign nationals generally need an employer-sponsored work visa and the relevant labour authorisation to work legally in Oman. The Royal Oman Police administers immigration visas, while the Ministry of Labour oversees employment-related authorisations and regulations.<\/span><\/p>

An expatriate should confirm that the employer has obtained the required approvals before travelling to Oman or starting work. A signed employment offer does not replace these permissions.<\/span><\/p>

Work permits, employer sponsorship, and visa requirements<\/b><\/h3>

Under the standard work visa framework, the employer applies for the visa and assumes responsibility for the foreign worker’s sponsorship. The application must satisfy the applicable immigration and labour requirements.<\/span><\/p>

The main requirements include:<\/span><\/p>