Maternity Leave in Oman (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Oman provides maternity protections through both the Labour Law and the Social Protection Fund (SPF):
- Maternity leave: Female workers are entitled to 98 days (14 weeks) of paid maternity leave under the Social Protection Law.
- Payment source: For Omani women, maternity benefits are paid through the Social Protection Fund (SPF). Expatriate women receive at least 50 days at full pay from the employer under the Labour Law.
- Nursing breaks: After returning to work, mothers are entitled to 1 hour per day for nursing for up to 2 years after birth.
- Termination protection: It is illegal to dismiss a woman because of pregnancy or during maternity leave.
- Paternity leave: Fathers are entitled to 7 days of paid paternity leave under the Social Protection Law.
When does it apply?
- You are a female employee who is pregnant or has recently given birth.
- You have completed the probation period — maternity protections apply after probation.
- You are a father and want to take paternity leave — 7 days under the Social Protection Law.
What to Do If Your Employer in Oman Denies Your Maternity Leave Rights
- Notify your employer of your pregnancy and expected due date as early as possible.
- Provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming your pregnancy.
- If you are Omani, register with the SPF to receive your maternity benefits.
- If your employer refuses maternity leave or dismisses you, file a complaint with the Labour Care Department immediately — or contact your union committee if one exists at your workplace.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not resign under pressure — dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave is illegal and can result in compensation of up to 12 months' wages.
- Do not accept unpaid maternity leave if you are entitled to paid leave — check your eligibility under both the Labour Law and the SPF.
- Do not skip SPF registration if you are Omani — this is how you receive your maternity benefits.
About Workers' Rights in Oman
Your job in Oman is governed by the Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023), which replaced the 2003 code. Oman is the only GCC country that allows union committees and collective bargaining, under Royal Decree 113/2011. Standard hours are 8 a day, with a midday outdoor work ban in summer. Social insurance for Omanis runs through the Social Protection Fund under Royal Decree 52/2023, which replaced PASI; expats get workplace-injury coverage only. Disputes go through the Ministry of Labour's Labour Care Department, then to the Primary Court (Labour Division).
Common Questions
What is the maternity and parental leave right in Oman?
Oman provides maternity protections through both the Labour Law and the Social Protection Fund (SPF):Maternity leave: Female workers are entitled to 98 days (14 weeks) of paid maternity leave under the Social Protection Law.Payment source: For Omani women, maternity benefits are paid through the Social Protection Fund (SPF). Expatriate women receive at least 50 days at full pay from the employer under the Labour Law.Nursing breaks: After returning to work, mothers are entitled to 1 hour per day for nursing for up to 2 years after birth.Termination protection: It is illegal to dismiss a woman...
When does it apply — maternity and parental leave?
You are a female employee who is pregnant or has recently given birth.You have completed the probation period — maternity protections apply after probation.You are a father and want to take paternity leave — 7 days under the Social Protection Law.
What should I do if my employer in Oman is refusing to grant me maternity leave or has dismissed me for being pregnant?
Notify your employer of your pregnancy and expected due date as early as possible.Provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming your pregnancy.If you are Omani, register with the SPF to receive your maternity benefits.If your employer refuses maternity leave or dismisses you, file a complaint with the Labour Care Department immediately — or contact your union committee if one exists at your workplace.
What should you NOT do — maternity and parental leave?
Do not resign under pressure — dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave is illegal and can result in compensation of up to 12 months' wages.Do not accept unpaid maternity leave if you are entitled to paid leave — check your eligibility under both the Labour Law and the SPF.Do not skip SPF registration if you are Omani — this is how you receive your maternity benefits.