Oman introduces landmark Domestic Worker Reforms 2025: Minors under 21 prohibited from employment | World News
Oman has introduced significant reforms to its domestic worker regulations, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s labor rights landscape. These changes aim to enhance the protection and welfare of domestic workers, aligning with international labor standards and reflecting a commitment to social justice.
Key provisions of the Oman’s domestic worker law 2025
- Prohibition of Employing Minors Under 21
A central provision of the new law is the explicit ban on employing individuals under the age of 21 in domestic work. This measure aims to protect young individuals from potential exploitation and ensures that domestic work is undertaken by adults capable of handling the responsibilities associated with such roles.Employers are now legally required to:
- Provide adequate housing, food, healthcare, and transportation for domestic workers.
- Maintain employment records for at least one year after the contract ends.
- Ensure that recruitment advertisements do not discriminate based on creed or color.
- Prohibition of Exploitative Practices
The law bans forced labor, harassment, and the confiscation of passports or personal documents without the worker’s written consent. Employers are also forbidden from charging recruitment fees and must ensure that recruitment advertisements do not discriminate based on creed or color.
Law, penalties, and codes
Oman’s Ministry of Labour has also introduced a strict enforcement framework to ensure compliance:
- Penalties for Employers: Employers violating the law may face fines ranging from OMR 500 to OMR 2,000 and, in severe cases, imprisonment up to six months.
- Contract Violations: Breaches such as unsafe accommodation, unpaid wages, or abusive behavior can lead to legal actions and suspension of hiring privileges.
- Reporting and Codes: Domestic workers have the right to report violations to the Ministry of Labour, which enforces Ministerial Decision No. 574/2025 and ensures adherence to Oman’s labor codes.
- Ethical Recruitment Codes: Employers and recruitment agencies must follow codes that prevent discrimination, abuse, and illegal recruitment practices, aligning with international labor standards.
This legal and regulatory framework ensures accountability, protecting workers while guiding employers in ethical practices.
Who introduced the reform and why?
The reform was introduced by the Ministry of Labour under the leadership of Minister Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain. Issued on October 9, 2025, Ministerial Decision No. 574/2025 aims to formalize and regulate the employment of domestic workers in Oman.The primary motivations for this reform include:
- Protecting Vulnerable Workers: Ensuring that domestic workers are not subjected to exploitation or abuse.
- Aligning with International Standards: Complying with global labor conventions and best practices.
- Enhancing Transparency: Providing clear guidelines for both employers and workers.
- Supporting National Development Goals: Contributing to Oman’s Vision 2040 by fostering a fair and sustainable labor market.
Historical context: Evolution of domestic worker rights in Oman
Historically, domestic workers in Oman were excluded from the protections afforded by the country’s labor laws. This exclusion often led to vulnerabilities, including long working hours, lack of rest, and limited legal recourse in cases of abuse. In 2023, Oman issued Royal Decree No. 53/2023, which introduced comprehensive labor reforms, but domestic workers remained outside its scope.Recognizing these gaps, the Omani government took decisive action in 2025 by issuing Ministerial Decision No. 574/2025. This regulation specifically addresses the employment conditions of domestic workers, ensuring their rights are protected under Oman’s legal framework.
A progressive step towards worker rights
Oman’s 2025 domestic worker law represents a major advancement in labor rights, combining clear guidelines, protections for minors, and enforceable penalties. These reforms create a safer, more professional, and equitable working environment for domestic workers while providing employers with transparent rules.By aligning with international labor standards, Oman sets a regional example for ethical and sustainable domestic employment.
