MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour intensified its efforts to regulate the labour market during the first half of 2026 by increasing inspections, updating legislative frameworks, and supporting employment, localization, and training.
This initiative aims to enhance labour market efficiency and strengthen the stability of the business environment.
The results of the Ministry's inspections during the first half of the year showed 6,707 inspection visits, with a compliance rate of 69.5 per cent. The number of non-Omani workers found to be in violation of regulations reached 11,172. The monitoring measures also resulted in 4,680 referrals to the Public Prosecution and 2,944 deportations. Additionally, 272 job opportunities were registered under the reconciliation decision, reflecting the Ministry's continued commitment to rigorously monitoring compliance with labour market regulations.
On the legislative front, the Ministry continued to develop the legal framework governing labour by issuing Ministerial Decision No. 44/2026, amending certain provisions of the Regulations for Work Permits and Business Practice Licenses. This aims to streamline licensing procedures and enhance the efficiency of the labour market.
In July 2026, the Ministry also issued Ministerial Decision No. 284/2026 concerning the system for forming, operating, and registering trade unions, sectoral general unions, and the General Federation of Workers of the Sultanate of Oman. This step strengthens the regulatory framework for labour relations and supports dialogue among the parties involved in production.
These regulatory and legislative measures coincided with the Ministry's efforts to support employment, training, and Omanization. During the first half of the year, more than 34,000 opportunities were registered in the areas of employment, Omanization, and on-the-job training, aligning with national employment targets and promoting the participation of Omani nationals in the labour market.
These indicators point to an integrated approach towards regulating the labour market through three main paths: monitoring and inspection, developing legislation, and supporting employment and training, which enhances the balance between the needs of private sector establishments and the aspirations of job seekers, and raises the competitiveness of the business environment in Oman.
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