MUSCAT – In an awareness message aimed at educating employees, the Federation posed the question: “Dear Worker, is it permissible for the employer to keep your passport or personal documents?”
In response, it shared a notice to highlight the following common misconception:
“They told me all non-Omani workers have to hand over their passports!”
The Federation clarified that such a practice is not legally permissible unless the worker provides prior written consent. This provision is clearly stated in Article 6 of Royal Decree No. 53/2023, which promulgates the new Labour Law.
“It is not permitted for the employer to keep the passport of the worker or his personal documents except with the written consent of the worker,” states Article 6.
The GFOW pointed out that all workers, regardless of nationality, have the right to retain their passports and personal documents, and any violation of this provision may be subject to legal accountability.