Oman Crackdown: 17,577 Illegal Labour Violations Recorded in H1 2026

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has revealed a significant number of employment breaches, documenting 17,577 violations involving non-Omani workers during the first half of 2026. While this figure shows a downward trend compared to the 31,421 cases recorded during the same period in 2025, officials warn that illegal employment continues to destabilize the labour market and disadvantage law-abiding businesses.

Common Breaches and the 'Free Visa' Myth

The Ministry identified several specific types of non-compliance that are currently undermining the sector. These violations include:

Employing workers who do not possess valid work permits.
Allowing staff members to work for employers other than their official sponsors.
Failing to adhere to the Wage Protection System (WPS) for salary registration.
Neglecting essential occupational safety protocols, particularly at construction sites.

Authorities issued a stern warning regarding the practice often described by expatriates as "free visa" work, clarifying that such activities are strictly classified as illegal labour under Omani law.

Severe Consequences for Employers

Companies found violating labour regulations face heavy-handed penalties designed to deter illegal practices. Employers may be subject to:

Jail Time: Up to one month of imprisonment.
Heavy Fines: Penalties of RO 2,000 (approximately AED 19,000 or INR 4.3 lakh). These fines can be doubled if the workers involved entered the country illegally or had previously abandoned their authorized employers.
Hiring Restrictions: A potential two-year ban on recruiting any non-Omani staff.
Repatriation Costs: The legal responsibility and cost of sending workers back to their home countries.

Risks for Expatriate Workers

The crackdown also targets the individuals participating in illegal employment. Expatriates found working without valid permits or for unauthorised employers face serious legal repercussions, including:

Imprisonment and significant fines.
Immediate deportation from the country.
The permanent cancellation of their work permits.

Digital Oversight and Legal Transfers

To detect and prevent these violations, the Ministry is leveraging advanced digital systems that integrate company records with work permit data. This technological surveillance is bolstered by joint inspections conducted alongside various security agencies.

How to Change Employers Legally

To ensure compliance, the Ministry outlined the mandatory steps for a legal job transfer. A worker cannot simply switch roles; the process must follow this sequence:

The new employer must initiate a formal transfer through the Ministry of Labour.
The previous employer must provide official approval.
The Royal Oman Police must approve the request to update immigration records.

Expatriates are strongly urged to ensure that their labour cards, work permits, and sponsor details accurately reflect their actual place of employment. Furthermore, the Ministry advises workers to use formal legal channels to resolve any employment disputes rather than abandoning their current positions.