Oman’s Labour Law governs the hiring of employees in the private sector, excluding domestic servants. It regulates:

Employment agreements
Salaries and benefits
Overtime pay
Paid leave and holidays
Working hours and conditions
Workplace health and safety
Labour disputes and dispute resolution

Foreign employees are entitled to end-of-service benefits after completing at least one year of service. Employment contracts are also supported by the Civil Transactions Act, which covers contract creation and termination. However, where overlaps occur, the Labour Law provisions take precedence.

Currently, Oman has around 3.3 million residents, with expatriates making up nearly 39% of the population and 90% of the private sector workforce. To balance the labour market and strengthen Omanization, the Ministry of Labour has introduced strict measures to regulate foreign employment.

📌 Related Read: Oman Employment Visa Renewal 2026

Employment Regulations for Hiring Expats

Under the Labour Law, companies cannot employ non-Omani workers unless they obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. According to Article 18, employers must meet the following requirements before applying:

Proof of skill gap: No qualified Omani candidate is available for the role.
Omanization compliance: The company has met the Omanization quotas set by the Ministry.
Fee payment: All required fees for the employment license are paid in full.

Even after meeting these requirements, a foreign worker is not permitted to work without first obtaining a Labour Card (Civil Status Identity Card).

Requirements for Obtaining a Labour Card in Oman

To be eligible for a labour card in Oman, an expatriate must meet the following conditions:

Hold the necessary skills, qualifications, or certifications required by the Omani job market.
Enter Oman legally with valid identification, visa, and sponsorship.
Be in good health, free from infectious or chronic diseases as confirmed by the Ministry of Health.
Have a valid employment agreement with an Omani or approved foreign-owned company.
Complete the payment of labour card fees to the Ministry of Labour.

📌 Related Read: What is an Employment Visa for Oman?

Omanization Policy and Employer Responsibilities

The new Labour Law in Oman emphasizes the role of employers in promoting job opportunities for Omani nationals. Key obligations include:

Article 11: Employers must hire Omani employees to the maximum extent possible, following the quota system set by the Ministry.
Article 13: Companies must submit detailed job descriptions to the Ministry for approval before advertising vacancies.
Employers are required to coordinate with authorized recruitment agencies to prioritize Omani candidates before hiring expats.

These measures aim to reduce unemployment among locals while balancing the need for skilled expatriates in industries like oil, gas, construction, and IT.

Expat Employment Statistics in Oman 2026

Total population: ~3.3 million
Expatriate population: ~39%
Private sector reliance on expats: ~90%
Key expat nationalities: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Egypt

This heavy reliance on foreign workers highlights the importance of labour law regulations and the Omanization strategy.

Conclusion: Building a Future in Oman

If you are planning to work or settle in Oman in 2026, understanding the Labour Law and work permit regulations is essential. To enter the country, you must first secure an Oman visa.

The easiest way is to apply for an Oman eVisa online. With Oman IE Visa, the process is simple, secure, and fast. Whether you are applying for a tourist visa, employment visa, or business visa, our platform ensures smooth visa processing.

👉 Start your Oman visa application today and take the first step toward building your career or exploring the beautiful Sultanate of Oman.