The Ministry of Labor in Oman has enacted new regulations for foreign worker recruitment agencies, aiming to create a transparent legal framework for the activities of these agencies, improve service quality, and protect the rights of employers and employees.
Development of the Foreign Worker Recruitment Sector
Dr. Saif bin Mohammed Al-Busaidi, advisor to the Minister of Labor for labor welfare, announced that these regulations are a step towards developing the foreign worker recruitment sector, enhancing service standards, and increasing the credibility of recruitment agencies. He added that these regulations will help clarify contractual relationships between agencies, employers, and workers.
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Framework of Rights and Obligations
These regulations create a clearer framework for rights and obligations through contracts and standard forms, specific timelines, hiring procedures, financial guarantees, and dispute resolution mechanisms. These measures are designed to support all parties and reduce informal practices.
Dr. Al-Busaidi emphasized that these regulations also strengthen oversight of recruitment agencies and introduce necessary requirements for improving professionalism in this sector. He stated that compliance with these laws will contribute to improving service quality and supporting labor market stability.
According to the new regulations, foreign worker recruitment activities will be limited to agencies authorized by the Ministry of Labor. The use of contracts and standard forms to clarify obligations is mandatory, while the registration of authorized agencies will increase transparency and help regulate relationships between agencies, employers, and workers.
To obtain a license, the owner of the institution, its partners, and authorized signatories must be Omani citizens. The owner or one of the partners must be dedicated to business management and registered with the Ministry of Labor as an employer. Additionally, applicants must deposit a financial guarantee of 5,000 Omani Rials with the Ministry of Labor.
This financial guarantee is intended to strengthen the credibility of recruitment agencies and ensure the fulfillment of their contractual obligations and the protection of employers' and workers' rights in case of violations. Agencies must also provide suitable conditions for their operations and adequate accommodation for workers and comply with occupational health and safety requirements.
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