The Oman Ministry of Labor has introduced new regulations for recruitment agencies hiring foreign workers, designed to create a transparent legal framework for their activities, improve service quality, and protect the rights of employers and workers.
Development of the Foreign Worker Recruitment Sector
Dr. Saif bin Mohammed Al-Busaidi, advisor to the Minister of Labor of Oman for worker welfare, announced that these regulations are a step towards developing the foreign worker recruitment sector and enhancing service standards and the credibility of recruitment agencies. These laws also clearly define the contractual relationships between agencies, employers, and workers.
According to Al-Busaidi, these regulations create a clearer framework for rights and obligations through contracts and standard forms, timelines, and specific procedures for hiring, financial guarantees, and dispute resolution mechanisms. These measures aim to protect all parties and prevent illegal practices in this area.
Strengthening Oversight of Recruitment Agencies
These regulations also strengthen oversight of recruitment agencies and introduce new requirements for professional improvement in this sector. Al-Busaidi emphasized that compliance with the established laws will enhance service quality and support labor market stability.
Under the new regulations, the activities of hiring foreign workers are limited to agencies licensed by the Ministry of Labor. Standard contracts and forms will be used to clarify obligations, while a registration of licensed agencies will help ensure transparency and regulate relationships among agencies, employers, and workers.
To obtain a license, the establishment owner, its partners, and authorized signatories must be Omani citizens. The owner or one of the partners must be dedicated to managing the business, register with the Ministry of Labor as an employer, and register with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization. Additionally, applicants must deposit a financial guarantee of 5000 Omani Rials with the Ministry of Labor.
This financial guarantee is intended to enhance the credibility of recruitment agencies and ensure the fulfillment of their contractual obligations in case of violations of the rights of employers and workers. Agencies are also required to provide suitable locations for their activities and appropriate accommodation for workers and to comply with occupational safety and health requirements.
