Oman Extends Social Protection Insurance to Expatriate Workers from July 20

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has announced a landmark social protection initiative for expatriate workers, introducing mandatory insurance coverage for sick leave and emergency leave benefits for foreign employees in both the public and private sectors.

According to the new regulations issued by Oman’s Social Protection Fund under Decision No. 13/2026, the policy will take effect on July 20, 2026. The scheme will apply to all expatriate employees working in private sector establishments, government administrative units, and other public legal entities covered under the country’s Labour Law.

The move expands an insurance system that has been available to Omani nationals since July 2019. The existing scheme covers employees in both the public and private sectors, workers on temporary or training contracts, as well as retirees. Under the new policy, eligible foreign workers will now receive similar protection.

The Social Protection Fund said the initiative aims to strengthen social security for a significant portion of Oman’s workforce and broaden access to insurance benefits. Participation in the scheme will be mandatory for expatriate workers covered under the Labour Law.

However, the new provisions will not apply to foreign workers who fall outside the Labour Law, including domestic workers such as housemaids, drivers, and other household employees.

Officials said the expansion of insurance coverage is part of Oman’s broader strategy to improve worker welfare, reinforce the country’s social security system, and ensure greater protection for the expatriate workforce that plays a vital role in the national economy.