Every domestic worker employed in Oman must have a written employment contract registered with the Ministry of Labour. This is a mandatory requirement — verbal agreements provide no legal protection. This guide explains what must be included and how to properly register the contract in 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| ⚖️ Legal Basis | Oman Labour Law + MOL Ministerial Decisions |
| ✅ Mandatory? | Yes — verbal agreements not valid |
| 📋 Languages | Arabic + worker's language (bilingual) |
| 🌐 Register Via | mol.gov.om |
| 📞 MOL Helpline | 1502 |
📋 What the Contract Must Include
| Section | Required Content |
|---|---|
| Parties | Full name + ID of employer / Name + passport of worker |
| Job Title | Specific domestic role (housemaid, driver, cook, etc.) |
| Salary | Monthly amount in Rial Omani (RO) |
| Working Hours | Daily schedule — maximum 9–10 hours |
| Rest Day | 1 full weekly rest day |
| Annual Leave | 30 days paid after 1 year |
| Contract Duration | Typically 2 years |
| Accommodation | Type and standard of accommodation |
| Meals | Food or meal allowance |
| Return Ticket | Employer pays return ticket at end of contract |
| Notice Period | Minimum 1 month |
| Gratuity | End of service entitlement stated |
🔄 How to Register the Contract
Get the official MOL domestic worker contract template from mol.gov.om or from an accredited typing office.
Fill all sections. The contract must be bilingual — Arabic plus the worker's native language (Tagalog, Sinhala, Amharic, etc.).
Employer and domestic worker both sign all copies. Worker keeps one copy for their records.
The signed contract is submitted to MOL as part of the work permit application — it is registered automatically.
Contract details are entered into the MOL system and viewable by both parties through the MOL portal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change contract terms after the worker arrives?
Any changes require mutual written agreement by both parties and must be updated with MOL. Unilateral changes by the employer are not legally valid.
What if there's a dispute about the contract terms?
File a complaint with MOL at 1502. The registered contract is the official reference — MOL arbitrates based on the contract terms on record.
Is a handwritten contract acceptable?
No — only official MOL-template contracts are legally recognized. Handwritten informal agreements have no standing before MOL or Oman's Labour Courts.
What happens if there is no written contract?
Without a written contract, the worker has limited legal protection. However, MOL can still intervene based on the work permit details. Employers without proper contracts face administrative penalties.
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📌 Source: Oman Ministry of Labour — Updated 2026. Always verify at mol.gov.om
