Ministerial Decision No. 1152/2/1/141/2026 – Executive Regulation of the Tourism Law

Oman has introduced a comprehensive new regulatory framework for the tourism sector through Ministerial Decision No. 1152/2/1/141/2026, issued by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

The new Executive Regulation of the Tourism Law came into force on 17 April 2026 and replaces the previous Executive Regulation issued under Ministerial Decision No. 39/2016.

The reform is significant for hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, tourism investors, adventure tourism businesses, tourist guides, and companies operating in the business events sector.

1. A Comprehensive New Tourism Regulatory Framework

The new regulation restructures the licensing and compliance framework for tourism activities in Oman.

Among the principal regulated categories are:

• Tourist and hotel establishments;
• Travel and tourism offices;
• Tourist guides;
• Adventure tourism activities;
• High-art performance groups operating in hotels and restaurants; and
• Business tourism activities, including conferences, exhibitions and corporate incentive programmes.

The express recognition of adventure tourism and business tourism as regulated activities is particularly relevant as Oman continues to develop its tourism and events sectors.

2. Significant Change to Tourism Licensing

One of the most commercially important changes concerns the treatment of tourism licence applications.

Under the new framework, the Ministry generally has 60 days to determine an application. If the Ministry does not issue a decision within the prescribed period, the application may be deemed accepted, subject to satisfaction of the applicable regulatory requirements.

This represents an important change from the previous position and may provide greater certainty to tourism investors and operators.

For investors, licensing certainty can directly affect:

• project commencement;
• financing arrangements;
• lease commitments;
• construction schedules; and
• commercial opening dates.

3. Existing Tourism Establishments Should Review Compliance

The replacement of the previous regulatory framework means that existing tourism establishments should assess whether their current operations remain compliant with the new requirements.

Businesses should consider undertaking a regulatory review covering:

• existing tourism licences;
• permitted activities;
• establishment classification;
• premises and facilities;
• staffing arrangements;
• insurance;
• health, safety and security requirements;
• applicable tourism fees;
• service-charge arrangements; and
• advertising and operational practices.

The Ministry has also called on existing licensed hotel and tourism establishments to regularise their status under the new framework.

4. Adventure Tourism Is Now Specifically Regulated

The regulation introduces a dedicated licensing framework for adventure tourism.

This is particularly relevant to businesses involved in activities such as:

• off-road and desert tourism;
• mountain activities;
• trekking;
• canyoning;
• caving;
• ziplining; and
• other adventure activities.

Adventure-tourism operators face specific safety and risk-management obligations. These include appropriate licensing, security and safety requirements, insurance issued in Oman, specialist licensed guides, risk-management measures and safety plans.

Operators are also expected to consider weather conditions and suspend activities where conditions create safety concerns.

Practical implication

Adventure-tourism businesses should treat safety compliance as an ongoing operational obligation rather than merely a licensing requirement.

5. New Regulatory Framework for Tourist Guides

The regulation provides a more structured framework for tourist guides, including different categories such as:

• general tourist guides;
• location-specific guides; and
• specialised guides.

The framework also regulates matters such as group sizes, permitted activities and professional conduct.

Of particular importance to tourism operators employing expatriates, English-language tourist guiding remains subject to Omani nationality requirements.

Businesses should therefore review their guide recruitment and contracting arrangements.

6. Business Tourism Receives Formal Recognition

Another important development is the recognition of business tourism as a regulated tourism activity.

This encompasses activities connected with:

• conferences;
• exhibitions;
• corporate events; and
• incentive programmes.

The development is particularly relevant to Oman's growing MICE — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions — sector.

Companies operating in this space should assess whether their activities require licensing or additional approvals under the new framework.

7. Tourism Fees and Service Charges

The regulation also addresses the financial obligations associated with tourism establishments.

According to published commentary on the new regulation, establishments continue to collect a 4% tourism fee for the Ministry and an 8% service charge. The new framework also provides for the service charge to be distributed to employees in cash.

Hotels and tourism establishments should therefore review:

• payroll procedures;
• accounting systems;
• customer invoices;
• employee policies; and
• service-charge distribution mechanisms.

This creates an important intersection between tourism regulation, employment compliance and financial controls.

8. Revised Licence Fees

The new regulation also revises various tourism-related fees.

For example, the reported licence fee for a five-star hotel is OMR 1,900 for three years, compared with the previous fee of OMR 3,200 for five years.

Investors and operators should therefore verify the applicable fee before submitting new applications or renewal requests.

9. Administrative Penalties

The regulation establishes an administrative penalty framework for violations, with administrative fines reported to be capped at OMR 6,000.

The financial exposure reinforces the importance of implementing internal compliance procedures and maintaining appropriate documentation.

10. What Should Tourism Businesses Do Now?

Tourism and hospitality businesses should consider taking the following steps:

Conduct a regulatory gap analysis

Compare existing licences, activities and operational practices against the new regulation.

Review licensing requirements

Confirm whether existing activities fall within a newly regulated category or require additional approvals.

Review employment arrangements

Particularly assess arrangements involving tourist guides, service charges and operational personnel.

Review safety and insurance

Adventure-tourism operators should give particular attention to risk assessments, insurance and emergency procedures.

Review contracts

Hotel management agreements, tourism operator agreements, supplier contracts and customer terms should be reviewed where the regulatory changes affect contractual obligations.

Update internal compliance procedures

Businesses should ensure that staff responsible for licensing, HR, finance and operations understand the new requirements.

Conclusion

Ministerial Decision No. 1152/2/1/141/2026 represents a significant restructuring of Oman's tourism regulatory framework.

The regulation goes beyond licensing and introduces more detailed requirements concerning tourism activities, adventure tourism, tourist guides, business tourism, safety, fees and administrative compliance.

For existing operators, the priority should be a regulatory gap assessment and status review. For new investors, the regulatory framework should be considered at the project-planning stage, before committing to significant leases, financing, construction or operational expenditure.

The new framework also presents opportunities for investors by providing greater regulatory clarity for emerging areas such as adventure and business tourism.

YLAW – Legal Perspective

Businesses operating in Oman's tourism and hospitality sector should approach the new regulation as an ongoing compliance framework rather than a one-time licensing requirement.

A structured legal review can help identify licensing gaps, operational risks, contractual issues and potential regulatory exposure before they develop into disputes or enforcement matters.

Younis Al Amri & Sayed Taher Advocates & Solicitors (YLAW) advises businesses and investors on regulatory compliance, corporate structuring, commercial contracts, employment matters, licensing and investment-related legal issues in Oman.

This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Businesses should obtain advice based on their specific activities, licences and regulatory circumstances.

The Ministry of Labour’s continued emphasis on employers’ compliance with statutory employment entitlements highlights the importance of properly calculating and settling end-of-service benefits (EOSB) when an employment relationship comes to an end.

For employers operating in Oman, end-of-service gratuity remains an important statutory obligation, particularly during the transition towards the Savings/Provident Scheme under the Social Protection Law.

1. What does the Labour Law provide?

Under Article 61 of Royal Decree No. 53/2023 issuing the Labour Law, an employer must, upon termination of the employment relationship, pay an end-of-service benefit to a worker who is not covered by the Social Protection Law, at a rate of not less than one basic wage for each completed year of service.

Any fraction of a year is calculated proportionately. The employee’s last basic wage is used as the basis for calculating the benefit. Importantly, service that commenced before the current Labour Law came into force is also included when determining the employee’s qualifying period.

In practical terms:

EOSB = Last Basic Wage × Years of Qualifying Service

The calculation is based on the basic wage, rather than the employee’s total or gross remuneration.

2. Who is currently entitled?

The statutory gratuity under Article 61 applies to workers who are not beneficiaries of the Social Protection Law.

Employers should therefore assess each employee individually, taking into account:

• Nationality and applicable social protection coverage;
• Date of commencement of employment;
• Total qualifying service;
• Last basic wage;
• Applicable employment contract and company policies; and
• Whether the employee falls within the transitional arrangements for the Social Protection Fund’s Savings Scheme.

The Social Protection Fund has confirmed that the new savings system is intended to cover end-of-service benefits for non-Omani workers, replacing the employer-paid gratuity for the period covered by the scheme.

3. The transition to the Savings/Provident Scheme

The Social Protection Law introduced a defined-contribution Savings System for non-Omani workers.

Under Articles 135–138 of the Social Protection Law, the scheme is intended to replace employer-paid end-of-service gratuity for non-Omani workers for the period following commencement of the relevant contribution provisions.

However, service accrued before the commencement of the savings contributions remains subject to separate treatment. The employer must settle the earlier gratuity entitlement in accordance with the applicable Labour Law provisions, or may settle it through the Savings System or directly with the worker in accordance with the statutory framework.

The implementation is being phased. Current Social Protection Fund material identifies the mandatory provident arrangement for non-Omani workers as part of the phased rollout, while the latest ILO/Social Protection Fund summary places its implementation within the fourth year of the Social Protection Law's rollout.

Accordingly, employers should not assume that the future provident mechanism eliminates their present obligations in respect of accrued gratuity.

4. Employer-funded savings or supplementary schemes

Employers may have internal gratuity, savings or supplementary benefit arrangements.

Article 48 of the Labour Law recognizes certain employer savings programmes where the programme is approved in accordance with the applicable requirements and the employer's contribution is intended to discharge its statutory gratuity obligation.

Where the programme does not provide an amount equivalent to the employee's statutory entitlement, the employer may remain liable for the difference. Where the employee has personally contributed to such a programme, additional rights may arise under the applicable arrangement.

Employers should therefore review existing benefit schemes rather than assuming that an internal provision automatically satisfies the statutory obligation.

5. What happens when employment ends?

A proper final settlement should identify and calculate all outstanding employee entitlements, including, where applicable:

• End-of-service gratuity;
• Outstanding salary;
• Accrued leave entitlements;
• Contractual benefits and allowances;
• Any other statutory or contractual amounts due.

Employers should also maintain accurate employment records. The Labour Law requires employers to maintain employee files containing, among other matters, the employee’s commencement date, remuneration, leave records and termination details.

The Government’s current digital services also provide mechanisms for recording termination of service and accessing employment records and end-of-service documentation.

6. Key compliance risks for employers

Failure to properly calculate or settle end-of-service entitlements can result in:

• Employee complaints and labour disputes;
• Claims for unpaid statutory benefits;
• Additional financial exposure arising from incorrect calculations;
• Increased scrutiny during employment-related proceedings; and
• Reputational and employee-relations risks.

Employers should particularly avoid relying on outdated gratuity formulas or calculating benefits solely by reference to gross salary.

7. What should employers do now?

Employers in Oman should consider undertaking an EOSB compliance review covering their workforce.

Recommended actions:

1. Audit employee records
Verify joining dates, basic wages, contracts and periods of service.

2. Recalculate accrued gratuity
Identify potential EOSB liabilities using the applicable statutory methodology.

3. Separate historical and future liabilities
For non-Omani employees, distinguish gratuity accrued before the applicable Savings Scheme contribution period from benefits arising under the new system.

4. Review employment contracts and policies
Ensure contractual provisions do not inadvertently understate statutory entitlements.

5. Review internal savings schemes
Confirm whether any employer-funded scheme has the necessary approvals and provides benefits sufficient to satisfy statutory requirements.

6. Prepare for the Social Protection Fund transition
HR, finance and legal teams should monitor implementation requirements and ensure payroll and employee-record systems can accommodate the new framework.

Conclusion

Oman’s evolving employment and social protection framework requires employers to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to end-of-service obligations.

While the Social Protection Fund’s Savings/Provident Scheme represents a significant shift in the way end-of-service benefits for non-Omani workers will be funded, existing accrued rights and current Labour Law obligations remain important during the transition.

For employers, now is an appropriate time to audit gratuity liabilities, review employment documentation and prepare for the next stage of the Social Protection Law’s implementation.

YLAW Perspective:
A structured end-of-service audit can help employers identify historic liabilities, correct calculation practices and align HR and payroll systems with Oman’s evolving labour and social protection framework before disputes arise.

This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific employee entitlements should be assessed based on the applicable law, employment contract, employee status and relevant Social Protection Fund provisions.

Introduction

On 9 July 2026, the Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decision No. 284/2026, introducing a new regulatory framework governing labour unions in the Sultanate of Oman. The Decision repeals Ministerial Decision No. 500/2018 and establishes updated rules for the formation, governance, administration, and operation of labour unions, sectoral unions, and the General Federation of Oman Workers.

The reforms reflect Oman's continued efforts to strengthen labour relations, promote transparency, and align workplace practices with international labour standards while ensuring a balanced relationship between employers and employees.

For employers, the Decision introduces important compliance obligations that should be incorporated into existing HR policies and employment practices.

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Key Objectives of the New Regulation

The new regulations are intended to modernise Oman's labour relations framework and provide greater clarity for both employers and employees. The principal objectives include:

Strengthening Employee Representation

The Decision reinforces employees' right to organise and collectively represent their interests through recognised labour unions, providing a clearer legal framework for workplace representation.

Promoting Good Governance

Labour unions are now subject to enhanced governance requirements designed to improve accountability, transparency, and effective internal administration.

Enhancing Legal Protection

The regulations introduce additional safeguards for elected union representatives, ensuring they can carry out their functions without undue interference.

Clarifying Employer Obligations

Employers are provided with clearer guidance regarding their legal responsibilities when interacting with recognised labour unions and their representatives.

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Key Changes Introduced by Ministerial Decision No. 284/2026

1. New Framework for Establishing Labour Unions

The Decision sets out detailed procedures governing the establishment and registration of labour unions.

Key aspects include:

• Formation Procedures – The regulations establish a structured process for creating labour unions, ensuring that all legal requirements are met before recognition is granted.
• Registration Requirements – Specific documentation and approval procedures have been introduced to standardise the registration process and improve regulatory oversight.
• Election of Administrative Boards – Clear rules now govern the election of union leadership, helping to ensure democratic representation and transparency.
• Dissolution Procedures – The Decision also specifies the circumstances and procedures under which a labour union may be dissolved in accordance with the law.

These provisions create greater certainty for employees wishing to establish labour unions while providing a consistent regulatory framework for employers.

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2. Stronger Governance Requirements

One of the most significant reforms is the introduction of enhanced governance standards for labour unions.

The regulations require unions to maintain sound administrative practices through:

• Transparent Management – Union activities and decision-making processes should be conducted openly and in accordance with the regulations.
• Democratic Elections – Administrative board members must be elected through prescribed procedures that promote fair representation.
• Proper Record Keeping – Labour unions are expected to maintain accurate records of meetings, resolutions, financial matters, and administrative activities.
• Financial Accountability – Enhanced financial governance measures promote responsible management of union resources and improve institutional integrity.

These governance requirements aim to strengthen confidence in labour unions while promoting responsible administration.

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3. Enhanced Protection for Union Representatives

The Decision provides additional legal safeguards for elected union representatives.

Among the notable protections are:

• Protection Against Unfair Employment Actions – The regulations introduce mechanisms to help prevent adverse employment actions taken solely because of an employee's union role.
• Review Committee – A specialised committee has been established to examine alleged violations involving union representatives and review employment decisions affecting them.
• Restrictions on Workplace Transfers – Employers may not transfer elected union representatives away from the workplace serving as the union headquarters without their consent, helping preserve effective employee representation.

These protections are intended to promote constructive dialogue between employers and employee representatives.

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4. Employer Compliance Obligations

Although the Decision primarily regulates labour unions, it also introduces practical obligations for employers.

Businesses should ensure they:

• Recognise Lawfully Established Labour Unions – Employers should engage appropriately with recognised labour unions operating within their organisation.
• Cooperate with Union Representatives – Legitimate communications and consultations with authorised representatives should be facilitated in accordance with the regulations.
• Avoid Interference – Employers should refrain from actions that may improperly restrict or interfere with lawful union activities.
• Review HR Practices – Internal disciplinary procedures, transfers, and workplace policies should be reviewed to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.

Failure to comply may increase the risk of employment disputes and regulatory scrutiny.

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5. Transitional Arrangements

To ensure continuity, the Decision contains transitional provisions for existing labour unions.

These include:

• Continuation of Existing Administrative Boards – Administrative boards elected under the previous regulations may continue to serve for the remainder of their approved terms.
• Future Compliance – New elections, registrations, governance procedures, and administrative activities must comply with Ministerial Decision No. 284/2026.

This approach allows organisations sufficient time to transition to the updated regulatory framework without disrupting existing operations.

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Practical Steps for Employers

Organisations should take proactive measures to prepare for the new regulatory requirements, including:

• Reviewing employment policies and employee handbooks.
• Updating HR procedures relating to employee representation.
• Training HR personnel and management on the new regulations.
• Reviewing disciplinary and transfer procedures involving union representatives.
• Seeking legal advice where existing workplace practices may require amendment.

Early compliance will help minimise legal risks and support effective employee relations.

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Conclusion

Ministerial Decision No. 284/2026 represents an important milestone in the development of Oman's employment law framework. By strengthening governance, enhancing employee representation, and clarifying employer responsibilities, the regulations aim to promote a more transparent and balanced workplace environment.

Employers should view these changes as an opportunity to review internal employment practices and ensure that their organisations remain fully compliant with the evolving legal landscape.

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How YLAW Can Assist

Younis Al Amri & Sayed Taher Advocates & Solicitors advises domestic and international businesses on all aspects of Omani employment and labour law, including:

• Employment law compliance
• HR policy reviews
• Employment contracts
• Employment dispute resolution
• Regulatory compliance audits

Our team works closely with employers to develop practical, commercially focused solutions that minimise legal risk while supporting effective workforce management.

 

Introduction

The Sultanate of Oman has taken another significant step towards modernising its financial markets with the issuance of Decision No. E/11/2026, promulgating the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law issued under Royal Decree No. 46/2022.

The Regulation provides a detailed framework for implementing the Securities Law. It introduces comprehensive rules governing capital market institutions, securities offerings, investment funds, credit rating agencies, market conduct, investor protection, and regulatory enforcement. It reflects the Financial Services Authority's continued efforts to align Oman's capital markets with international best practices while supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

More than simply introducing new compliance requirements, the Regulation reshapes the legal and operational framework of Oman's securities market by promoting transparency, strengthening governance, enhancing investor confidence, and creating a more attractive environment for domestic and international investment.

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Why This Regulation Matters

While Royal Decree No. 46/2022 established the legal foundation for Oman's modern securities market, its practical implementation depended upon detailed executive regulations. Decision E/11/2026 fills that gap by prescribing the operational rules applicable to market participants.

The Regulation seeks to create a well-regulated, transparent, and competitive capital market by introducing clearer licensing requirements, enhanced disclosure standards, stronger governance obligations, and more effective regulatory oversight. It also supports the introduction of new financial products and services while ensuring that investors benefit from higher levels of protection.

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Overview of the Regulation

The Executive Regulation is divided into seven principal chapters, each addressing a key component of Oman's securities market.

1. General Provisions

The Regulation begins by establishing the general legal framework applicable to all participants in the securities market. It sets out key definitions, clarifies the scope of the Regulation, and outlines the fundamental obligations expected of regulated entities.

By providing consistent interpretative guidance, these provisions help reduce regulatory uncertainty and ensure that market participants operate within a clear and predictable legal framework.

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2. Capital Market Institutions

One of the Regulation's most significant chapters concerns the licensing and regulation of capital market institutions, including brokerage firms, investment advisers, asset managers, and other regulated financial service providers.

The Regulation prescribes licensing procedures, minimum capital requirements, corporate governance standards, internal control mechanisms, risk management systems, compliance functions, and professional competency requirements for senior management and key personnel.

These measures are intended to strengthen institutional resilience, improve operational standards, and enhance public confidence in licensed financial institutions.

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3. Operating Entities

The Regulation establishes detailed requirements for entities responsible for operating and managing the infrastructure of the securities market.

These provisions govern the licensing, responsibilities, operational standards, and ongoing regulatory obligations of market operators, ensuring that trading platforms and market infrastructure function efficiently, fairly, and transparently. The framework also enhances regulatory oversight by requiring operators to maintain appropriate governance, risk management, and reporting systems.

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4. Credit Rating Agencies

Recognising the growing importance of independent credit assessments, the Regulation introduces a dedicated legal framework governing credit rating agencies.

The new rules establish licensing requirements together with obligations relating to independence, transparency, governance, record keeping, conflict-of-interest management, and internal controls. These measures are designed to improve the credibility and reliability of credit ratings, thereby enabling investors to make better-informed investment decisions.

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5. Collective Investment Schemes

The Regulation significantly enhances the regulatory framework governing investment funds and other collective investment schemes.

It provides detailed rules relating to the establishment, licensing, management, administration, custody, valuation, disclosure, and ongoing supervision of investment funds. Fund managers are also subject to enhanced governance and compliance obligations aimed at safeguarding investors' interests and promoting sound fund management practices.

The revised framework is expected to encourage greater institutional investment while expanding the range of investment products available in Oman.

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6. Issuers and Market Integrity

This chapter introduces extensive obligations designed to promote transparency and preserve confidence in the securities market.

Issuers are required to comply with enhanced disclosure requirements, including continuous reporting of material developments that may affect investors' decisions. The Regulation also contains provisions addressing insider trading, market manipulation, misleading disclosures, and other forms of market abuse.

Collectively, these measures reinforce the principles of fairness, equal treatment of investors, and integrity within Oman's capital markets.

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7. Grievance Committee

To ensure procedural fairness, the Regulation establishes a formal mechanism for reviewing decisions issued by the Financial Services Authority.

The chapter sets out the procedures for filing grievances, conducting hearings, and issuing decisions. This structured review process strengthens regulatory accountability while providing market participants with an effective avenue to challenge regulatory decisions where appropriate.

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Investment Banking Recognised as a Regulated Activity

One of the Regulation's most notable reforms is the formal recognition of investment banking as a regulated securities activity.

Licensed investment banks may undertake a broad range of services, including advising on securities issuances, underwriting public offerings, managing investment portfolios, providing investment research, structuring financial products, and offering corporate finance advisory services.

By expressly regulating investment banking, Oman moves closer to internationally recognised capital market frameworks and creates opportunities for more sophisticated financial services within the Sultanate.

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Structural Separation of Banks' Securities Activities

The Regulation also introduces an important structural reform for licensed banks currently carrying out securities-related business.

Banks have been granted a three-year transitional period to transfer regulated securities activities into a separate legal entity. This segregation is intended to minimise conflicts of interest, improve governance, and enable more focused regulatory supervision.

Certain activities—including custody services, trustee functions, and underwriting—may continue to be undertaken by banks where permitted under the Regulation.

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Transitional Compliance Requirements

To facilitate implementation, the Regulation grants existing capital market institutions a six-month period to regularise their operations and ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Until supplementary rules and guidance are issued by the Financial Services Authority, existing circulars and regulatory instructions will continue to apply insofar as they do not conflict with the Securities Law or the Executive Regulation. This transitional approach allows firms sufficient time to review their governance structures, internal policies, licensing arrangements, and compliance frameworks.

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What Does This Mean for Businesses?

The new Executive Regulation will require many market participants to reassess their internal governance and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Listed companies should review their disclosure policies and reporting procedures to ensure continued compliance. Licensed financial institutions may need to strengthen governance arrangements, risk management systems, and internal controls. Banks engaged in securities activities should begin planning for the required structural separation, while investment managers and fund operators should evaluate whether their existing operational models satisfy the enhanced regulatory standards.

For investors, these reforms should result in greater market transparency, stronger regulatory oversight, and improved confidence in Oman's capital markets.

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Conclusion

Decision No. E/11/2026 represents one of the most significant milestones in the evolution of Oman's capital markets since the enactment of the Securities Law in 2022. By introducing a modern and comprehensive regulatory framework, the Financial Services Authority has strengthened the legal foundations of the securities sector while fostering greater investor confidence, market integrity, and institutional accountability.

Although the Regulation introduces new compliance obligations for regulated entities, it also presents significant opportunities. By encouraging innovation, improving governance, and aligning Oman with international regulatory standards, the new framework is expected to enhance the attractiveness of the Sultanate as a regional investment destination and support the broader economic diversification goals of Oman Vision 2040.

A New Era of Employment Protection in Oman

The Sultanate of Oman has taken another significant step towards modernizing its employment and social security framework by implementing the Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance Branch under the Social Protection Law, effective 19 July 2026.

These reforms are part of the Government's broader strategy to establish a comprehensive and sustainable social protection system that aligns with Oman Vision 2040, while enhancing employee welfare and promoting a resilient labour market.

For employers, however, these changes extend beyond employee benefits. They introduce new payroll obligations, compliance requirements, and administrative responsibilities that demand immediate attention.

This article examines the legal framework, the practical implications for businesses, and the key actions employers should take to remain compliant.

The Legislative Framework

The reforms are principally governed by:

• Royal Decree No. 52/2023 promulgating the Social Protection Law;
• Royal Decree No. 60/2025, postponing the implementation of the Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance Branch until 19 July 2026;
• Royal Decree No. 53/2023 promulgating the Labour Law;
• Decisions and implementing regulations issued by the Social Protection Fund (SPF).

Together, these legislative instruments form part of Oman's transition from the traditional pension model to an integrated social protection framework covering pensions, insurance, leave benefits and income protection.

What Has Changed?

The latest reforms introduce a dedicated insurance branch covering:

• Sick Leave Benefits
• Extraordinary Leave Benefits

Unlike previous arrangements in which employers bore the full financial burden of extended employee absences, the new insurance mechanism introduces a structured reimbursement model administered by the Social Protection Fund.

Employer Contributions

One of the most important changes concerns employer payroll obligations.

From 19 July 2026, employers are required to contribute:

1% of the employee's contribution wage towards the Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance Branch.

Key Points

✔ Fully funded by the employer

✔ No additional employee contribution

✔ Mandatory payroll deduction reporting

✔ Contributions payable through the Social Protection Fund system

Employers should immediately review payroll software and contribution calculations to ensure compliance.

New Sick Leave Insurance

The insurance scheme provides wage replacement during prolonged illness, reducing the financial burden previously carried entirely by employers.

The benefit structure is as follows:

Period	Benefit
First 7 days	Employer responsibility
Days 8–21	100% of wage
Days 22–35	75% of wage
Days 36–70	50% of wage
Days 71–182	35% of wage

The maximum annual entitlement is 182 days.

Employers should note that medical certification and compliance with the procedures prescribed by the Social Protection Fund remain essential.

Extraordinary Leave Insurance

The reforms also extend financial protection to several categories of extraordinary leave, including eligible circumstances such as:

• Marriage Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Compassionate Leave
• Leave accompanying a family member for medical treatment
• Widow's Mourning Leave

The specific eligibility requirements and reimbursement mechanisms are governed by the implementing regulations issued by the Social Protection Fund.

Expansion of Coverage

Another significant development is the extension of compulsory insurance coverage to specified categories of expatriate employees working in Oman.

This reflects the Government's objective of creating a more comprehensive and inclusive social protection system across both the public and private sectors.

Employers with multinational workforces should carefully review whether their expatriate employees fall within the scope of the new requirements.

Payroll Compliance: More Than a System Update

The reforms require more than simply adjusting payroll percentages.

Employers should undertake a comprehensive compliance review covering:

Payroll Systems

• Update payroll software
• Apply new employer contribution rates
• Ensure accurate reporting to the Social Protection Fund

Employment Contracts

Review employment agreements to ensure consistency with the new legislative framework.

Employee Handbooks

Leave policies should be revised to reflect the new insurance arrangements, reimbursement procedures and employee entitlements.

HR Procedures

Internal HR teams should receive training regarding:

• medical certification;
• reimbursement claims;
• reporting obligations;
• documentation requirements.

Why These Reforms Matter

The reforms demonstrate Oman's continuing commitment to:

• strengthening employee welfare;
• improving workforce stability;
• encouraging private sector employment;
• aligning employment legislation with international best practices;
• supporting sustainable economic development under Oman Vision 2040.

For employers, compliance is no longer simply a statutory obligation—it is an important element of corporate governance and risk management.

Recommended Actions for Employers

Businesses should consider taking the following steps without delay:

✓ Review payroll contribution calculations.

✓ Audit HR and payroll systems.

✓ Update leave policies.

✓ Review employment contracts.

✓ Train HR and finance teams.

✓ Ensure timely registration and reporting with the Social Protection Fund.

✓ Seek legal advice where existing employment arrangements require amendment.

How YLAW Can Assist

At Younis Al Amri & Sayed Taher Advocates & Solicitors (YLAW), we regularly advise multinational corporations, financial institutions, government entities and private businesses on employment law compliance and workforce restructuring.

Our Employment & Labor Practice provides comprehensive support, including:

• Employment law compliance audits
• Payroll and Social Protection compliance reviews
• Drafting and updating employment contracts
• HR policy reviews
• Regulatory advisory
• Employment dispute resolution

Whether you are reviewing your payroll framework or assessing the impact of the latest legislative reforms, our team is well positioned to help your organisation navigate these changes with confidence.

Conclusion

The implementation of the Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance Branch marks another milestone in the evolution of Oman's employment law landscape. While the reforms strengthen social protection for employees, they also introduce new compliance obligations that require careful planning and timely implementation by employers.

Organisations that proactively review their payroll systems, employment documentation and HR policies will be better placed to ensure compliance, minimise operational risk and adapt to the evolving regulatory environment.

Disclaimer: This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be obtained based on the facts and circumstances of each case