Oman Introduces Stricter Licensing Rules for Expatriate Recruitment Agencies

The Ministry of Labour in Muscat announced comprehensive rules to professionalise the expatriate recruitment sector. Agencies can operate only with a licence that requires Omani ownership, a financial guarantee of OMR 5,000 and compliance with health-safety standards. Standardised contracts and a two-year service guarantee are now mandatory, and recruitment periods may not exceed 45 days.

Employers must be presented with clear job offers, while agencies are prohibited from levying fees on workers and must provide accommodation and care. A register of licensed agencies will improve transparency, and the Ministry will handle disputes with set timelines. Licensing fees have been cut to OMR 300, temporary licences increased to 25, and branches may open after one year under Omani management.