Domestic workers in Oman are protected by the Oman Labour Law and MOL Ministerial Decisions that set minimum standards for salary, rest, accommodation, and end-of-service benefits. This guide explains every right workers have and every obligation employers must meet in 2026.
⚡ Key Rights at a Glance
| 💰 Salary | Paid on time monthly — bank transfer recommended |
| ⏰ Max Working Hours | 9–10 hours/day |
| 🗓️ Weekly Rest | 1 full day per week |
| 🏖️ Annual Leave | 30 days after 1 year |
| 🏥 Medical Care | Employer's responsibility |
| 📞 MOL Helpline | 1502 |
💰 Salary Rights in Oman
- ✅ Salary paid monthly on agreed date
- ✅ Cannot be reduced without worker's written consent
- ✅ No deductions without legal basis
- ✅ Minimum salary thresholds set per nationality by bilateral agreements
- ✅ Indian workers: minimum typically USD 200+/month
⏰ Working Hours & Rest Entitlements
| Entitlement | Legal Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum daily hours | 9–10 hours including breaks |
| Weekly rest day | 1 full day/week |
| Annual leave | 30 days paid after 1 year |
| Sick leave (paid) | 15 days paid/year |
| Sick leave (half pay) | 15 days at half pay |
| Sick leave (unpaid) | Up to 30 days unpaid |
🏠 Accommodation & Living Rights
- ✅ Private, suitable accommodation — employer's obligation
- ✅ Food or food allowance must be provided
- ✅ Clean water, sanitation, and privacy
- ✅ Passport cannot be confiscated — illegal in Oman
- ✅ Freedom of movement on rest days
🚫 Passport confiscation is ILLEGAL in Oman. Any employer holding a domestic worker's passport commits an offence under Oman law. Workers should contact MOL at 1502 or their embassy immediately.
🏥 Medical Rights
- ✅ Employer provides health insurance
- ✅ Medical treatment costs — employer's responsibility
- ✅ Work-related injury — full employer liability
- ✅ 15 days paid sick leave per year
✈️ End of Contract Entitlements
- ✅ Return air ticket to home country (employer pays)
- ✅ End of service gratuity after 1 year
- ✅ All outstanding wages settled
- ✅ Unused annual leave paid in cash
📢 How to File a Complaint in Oman
Call 1502 — the Oman Ministry of Labour helpline. Available in Arabic and English.
Visit the nearest MOL office in person. Take your passport, work permit, and any evidence of the violation.
Lodge a complaint online at mol.gov.om — available in Arabic and English.
All major source country embassies in Muscat have dedicated worker welfare units — Filipino, Indian, Sri Lankan, Ethiopian, Indonesian embassies all assist their nationals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic worker resign in Oman?
Yes — workers can resign with appropriate notice as per the contract. If the employer has violated the contract (abuse, non-payment), the worker can terminate immediately with MOL protection.
What if my employer stops paying my salary in Oman?
File an urgent complaint with MOL at 1502. MOL has enforcement powers to compel salary payment and can refer cases to the Labour Court.
How many annual leave days am I entitled to in Oman?
Domestic workers are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave after completing 1 year of service.
Is domestic worker abuse criminal in Oman?
Yes — physical, verbal, or psychological abuse of domestic workers is a criminal offence in Oman. Victims should contact the Royal Oman Police at 9999 for emergencies or MOL at 1502.
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📌 Source: Oman Labour Law 2012 — Updated 2026. Always verify at mol.gov.om
