MUSCAT — Oman has introduced mandatory health insurance, defined working hours and regulated leave entitlements for domestic workers under new rules aimed at protecting rights and organising employment relations, the labour minister said on Wednesday.

Labour Minister His Excellency Prof. Mahad bin Saeed Baawain said the ministerial decision issuing the regulatory framework for domestic workers and those in similar roles is intended to safeguard both workers and employers, not to impose excessive conditions.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Ministry of Labour, Baawain said the regulations take into account the specific nature of domestic work and introduce compulsory health insurance coverage, clearly defined working hours and annual leave entitlements.

He said the rules also regulate end-of-service benefits, setting them at half a month’s wage for each year of service, instead of a full month’s wage as provided under Oman’s general labour law, reflecting the special status of domestic work.

Baawain said the new framework aligns with international and Gulf labour standards and brings Oman’s legislation closer to practices applied across other Gulf Cooperation Council states. He added that the regulations are grounded in Omani values based on justice, fairness and respect for human dignity.

The minister noted that international labour conventions are sometimes misunderstood as assigning blame, when they are in fact globally recognised benchmarks. Oman’s approach, he said, remains centred on balancing rights and obligations while preserving mutual respect between workers and employers.

The new regulations governing domestic workers are due to come into effect from January, according to the ministry.