Oman Domestic Worker Guide 2026: Hiring, Salary & MOL Requirements
Oman has a growing domestic worker sector with hiring regulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOL). This updated 2026 guide covers the complete hiring process, salary rates by role and nationality, total costs, and your legal rights and obligations as an employer in Oman.
The Official Authority: Ministry of Manpower (MOL) Oman
All domestic worker recruitment in Oman is supervised by the Ministry of Manpower (MOL). Agencies must be officially registered with MOL. The government's Musaned system (shared with Saudi Arabia) is used in Oman for some nationalities, alongside direct MOL processing.
Browse MOL-verified agencies in Oman: www.gccdomestic.com/en/oman/
Who Can Hire a Domestic Worker in Oman?
Requirements for sponsoring a domestic worker in Oman in 2026:
- Valid Omani residency card (citizens or expatriate residents)
- Minimum monthly income as required by MOL (varies by family size)
- Stable accommodation suitable for the worker
- Clean labor record — no outstanding MOL violations
- Employers must use MOL-licensed recruitment agencies
Step-by-Step Hiring Process in Oman 2026
Step 1 — Choose a MOL-Licensed Recruitment Agency
Only use agencies registered with Oman's Ministry of Manpower. View verified Oman agencies: www.gccdomestic.com/en/oman/
Step 2 — Select Candidate & Sign Employment Contract
Review profiles, interview candidates, and sign a written employment contract. The contract must clearly state salary, duties, accommodation, working hours, and leave entitlements.
Step 3 — Apply for Work Visa via MOL Portal
Your licensed agency submits the domestic worker visa application through the MOL e-services portal (mol.gov.om). Applications are largely digital in 2026.
Step 4 — Source Country Government Clearance
Depending on the worker's nationality, clearance from their home country's labor authority is required (e.g., POEA for Filipinos, SLBFE for Sri Lankans, BP2MI for Indonesians). Your agency coordinates this.
Step 5 — Worker Arrives & Medical Test
Medical fitness test must be completed within 30 days of arrival — HIV, TB, Hepatitis B and C, chest X-ray at a MOL-approved medical center.
Step 6 — Residency Card (Iqama)
The worker's Oman residency (Iqama) is issued through the Royal Oman Police (ROP). Valid for 2 years and renewable.
Step 7 — Contract Registration with MOL
All employment contracts must be registered with the Ministry of Manpower. Both employer and worker keep signed copies.
⏱️ Timeline: Typically 2–6 weeks from contract signing to worker arrival, depending on source country.
Oman Domestic Worker Salary Guide 2026
| Role | Monthly Salary (OMR) | Monthly Salary (AED approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Housemaid / General Helper | 60 – 100 OMR | 575 – 960 |
| Nanny / Childcare | 80 – 130 OMR | 768 – 1,248 |
| Cook | 80 – 140 OMR | 768 – 1,344 |
| Personal Driver | 100 – 160 OMR | 960 – 1,536 |
| Elderly Caregiver | 80 – 140 OMR | 768 – 1,344 |
1 OMR ≈ 9.6 AED / 2.60 USD. Salaries vary by nationality, experience, and job complexity.
Total Hiring Cost in Oman 2026
| Fee Item | Estimated Cost (OMR) |
|---|---|
| Agency / Recruitment Fee | 150 – 400 OMR |
| MOL Visa Processing | 30 – 60 OMR |
| Medical Tests | 20 – 40 OMR |
| Residency Card (Iqama) | 20 – 40 OMR |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | 50 – 100 OMR |
| Air Ticket from Source Country | 40 – 120 OMR |
| Total Estimated Cost | 310 – 760 OMR |
Oman's Ramadan Working Hours 2026
Under Article 56 of Oman Labour Law, domestic workers and private sector employees receive reduced hours during Ramadan:
- Maximum 30 hours per week during Ramadan
- Workers are entitled to special breaks for prayer and Iftar
- Employers can apply for flexible working hour arrangements with MOL approval
Required Documents Checklist
Employer Documents
- Valid Omani residency card / civil ID copy
- Proof of income and financial stability
- Accommodation proof (rental contract or property deed)
Worker Documents
- Valid passport (2+ years remaining)
- Source country government clearance certificate
- Police clearance from home country (issued within 6 months)
- Medical fitness certificate (HIV, TB, Hepatitis)
- Signed employment contract
Worker Rights Under Oman Labour Law 2026
Under Oman Labour Law and Ministry of Manpower regulations:
- Working hours: Maximum 9 hours per day, 45 hours per week
- Ramadan hours: Maximum 30 hours per week (Article 56)
- Weekly rest: Minimum 1 day off per week
- Annual leave: 30 days per year after 1 year of service
- Health insurance: Mandatory — employer responsibility
- End-of-service: 1 month salary per year of service
- Sick leave: Up to 10 weeks per year
- Abuse protection: File complaints via MOL: 1100
Top Source Countries for Oman Domestic Workers 2026
| Nationality | Most Common Roles | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indian | Housemaid, Cook, Driver | Low |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lankan | Housemaid, Nanny | Low–Medium |
| 🇵🇭 Filipino | Nanny, Caregiver, Housemaid | Medium–High |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesian | Nanny, Housemaid | Medium |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopian | Housemaid, General Helper | Low |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi | Driver, Gardener, Cleaner | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a domestic worker in Oman 2026? There is no government-mandated minimum, but market rates start from 60 OMR/month. Always confirm current rates with your agency.
How do I verify an agency is MOL-licensed in Oman? Check the agency registration on the MOL portal (mol.gov.om) or look for the MOL verification badge on GCC Domestic agency profiles.
How long does the visa process take in Oman? Typically 2–6 weeks depending on the worker's source country and document readiness.
Do I need to provide accommodation for the worker in Oman? Yes. Employers are legally required to provide suitable, private accommodation for live-in domestic workers at no cost to the worker.
Can I hire a part-time domestic worker in Oman? Yes. Part-time arrangements are possible but must still go through a licensed agency and the worker must have a valid work visa or be processed through MOL.
Find Verified Agencies in Oman
Browse MOL-verified domestic worker agencies across Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa, and all Oman regions.
- Browse Oman Agencies: www.gccdomestic.com/en/oman/
- Request a Worker: www.gccdomestic.com/en/request-worker/
- Contact Support: www.gccdomestic.com/en/contact/
Last updated: March 26, 2026 — reflects latest Oman Ministry of Manpower regulations and Labour Law requirements.
