Domestic Worker Protections
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State.
Omani National Law
What is this right?
Domestic workers in Oman (housemaids, drivers, cooks, gardeners) have specific legal protections:
- Written contract: Domestic workers must have a written employment contract specifying wages, duties, working hours, and rest days.
- Wages: Wages must be paid monthly as agreed in the contract. The employer cannot withhold or reduce wages without legal justification.
- Rest day: Domestic workers are entitled to at least 1 rest day per week.
- Passport retention: Employers are strictly prohibited from confiscating the domestic worker's passport.
- Abuse protection: Physical, verbal, or sexual abuse of domestic workers is a criminal offence. Workers can report abuse to the police.
- Recruitment fees: Workers should not be charged recruitment fees — these are the employer's responsibility.
When does it apply?
- You are a domestic worker in Oman (housemaid, driver, cook, nanny, etc.).
- Your employer is withholding your passport, wages, or rest day.
- You are experiencing abuse or exploitation in your employer's household.
What should you do?
- If your passport is confiscated, report it to the Royal Oman Police — this is illegal.
- If you are being abused, call the police (9999) or contact your embassy.
- File a labour complaint with the Ministry of Labour for wage disputes.
- Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance and shelter if needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not run away without reporting — leaving without a complaint can result in an absconding charge.
- Do not sign documents you do not understand — ask for a translation.
- Do not accept work without a written contract — you need it to prove your rights.
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