Hiring a domestic worker in Oman requires an official Work Permit from the Ministry of Labour (MOL). Under Ministerial Decision 602/2025 issued in October 2025, Oman has updated its work permit regulations with new fees and processes. This complete guide covers everything for 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Authority | Ministry of Labour (MOL) Oman |
| 📋 Latest Regulation | Ministerial Decision 602/2025 (October 2025) |
| 💰 Work Permit Fee | RO 201 |
| 💰 Income Required (Female Worker) | RO 500/month minimum |
| 💰 Income Required (Male Worker) | RO 1,000/month minimum |
| ⏱️ Permit Validity | 24 months (renewable) |
| 📞 SANAD Helpline | +968 24 815685 |
| 🌐 MOL Portal | mol.gov.om |
👷 Eligible Domestic Worker Categories
👩 Female
- Housemaid
- Nursemaid / Nanny
- Cook
- Private Nurse
- Caregiver (Elderly/Disabled)
👨 Male
- Private Driver / Chauffeur
- Cook
- Gardener
- General Servant
- Farm Worker (with farm ownership proof)
🌍 Approved Source Countries 2026
🇵🇭 Philippines | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 🇮🇳 India | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 🇺🇬 Uganda | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 🇳🇵 Nepal | 🇬🇭 Ghana
Always verify current bilateral agreement status with MOL as approved countries can change.
✅ Employer Eligibility Requirements
| Employer Type | Minimum Income | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Omani National | RO 500+ (female) / RO 1,000+ (male) | Valid Omani ID, proof of marriage |
| Expatriate Resident | RO 500+ (female) / RO 1,000+ (male) | Valid Oman residency, marriage certificate, employer NOC |
| Senior/Disabled Care | RO 500+ (special category) | Medical certificate proving special care need |
⚠️ Single men generally cannot sponsor female domestic workers in Oman. A valid marriage certificate is required for most household domestic worker permits. Contact MOL at +968 24 815685 to confirm your specific situation.
💰 Complete Fee Breakdown 2026
| Fee Component | Amount (RO) |
|---|---|
| Work permit fee (domestic) | RO 201 |
| Visa issuance | RO 5–20 |
| Residence card (2 years) | RO 20–40 |
| Medical examination | RO 20–30 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | RO 50–120/year |
| Air ticket (varies) | RO 80–300 |
| Agency / recruitment fee | RO 300–800 |
| Estimated Total | RO 676–1,491 |
💡 Delay Fine: Under Ministerial Decision 602/2025, employers who fail to rectify a worker's status on time face a fine of RO 15/month (natural persons) or RO 20/month (legal entities), capped at RO 500 per worker.
📋 Required Documents
🇴🇲 Omani National Employer
- Salary/income certificate (minimum RO 500 for female, RO 1,000 for male worker)
- Copy of employer's Omani ID card
- Marriage certificate (from Ministry of Justice)
- Domestic worker's valid passport copy
- Medical fitness certificate (approved centre)
🌍 Expatriate Employer
- Salary certificate (RO 500+ minimum, from current employer)
- Valid Oman residency permit copy
- Marriage certificate (Ministry of Justice)
- NOC from employer (for expatriate applicants)
- Worker passport + medical fitness certificate
🔄 Step-by-Step Process
Obtain the Special Labourer Application form from an MOL-accredited typing office. Contact SANAD at {PHONE} for the list of accredited offices near you.
The typing office fills in your details and prints the form for a small fee.
Your authorized representative submits the application with all required supporting documents.
MOL verifies documents and processes the permit. Permit is sent to the bank counter upon approval.
Authorized representative pays the RO 201 work permit fee at the designated bank counter.
The permit is stamped and given to the authorized representative.
With the work permit, apply for the domestic worker visa through the Royal Oman Police portal.
After arrival, complete the residence card within the required period through ROP.
📍 MOL Offices in Oman
🏛️ MOL Headquarters — Muscat
📍 Qurum, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📞 1502
🏛️ MOL Salalah Office
📍 Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📞 1502
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a maid in Oman?
The minimum is RO 500/month for a female domestic worker and RO 1,000/month for a male domestic worker. A salary certificate from your employer or bank statements is required.
How long is the domestic worker work permit valid in Oman?
Under the updated Ministerial Decision 602/2025, the work permit is valid for 24 months and is renewable.
Can I apply for the work permit online?
The MOL portal allows online applications for work permits. You can also visit an accredited typing office for assistance. Contact SANAD at {PHONE} for guidance.
What is the SANAD project?
SANAD is the Oman government's program specifically managing domestic worker recruitment permits and services. Contact them at {PHONE} for all domestic worker permit queries.
Is there a fine for having a worker without a valid permit?
Yes — under Ministerial Decision 602/2025, delay fines of RO 15–20 per month apply for late permit renewal, capped at RO 500 per worker.
Can expatriate residents sponsor domestic workers in Oman?
Yes — expatriate residents can sponsor domestic workers if they meet the income requirements (RO 500+ for female, RO 1,000+ for male) and are married (marriage certificate required).
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📌 Source: Oman e-Government Portal — Updated 2026. Always verify at mol.gov.om