MUSCAT – Oman has introduced a new regulatory framework governing trade unions, strengthening worker representation, expanding the powers of trade unions and the General Federation of Workers of the Sultanate of Oman (GFOW), and setting new conditions for the establishment of unions under Ministerial Decision No. 284/2026 issued by the Ministry of Labour.

The new regulations require that a trade union may only be established in an enterprise employing more than 50 workers, introducing a threshold that was not specified under the previous framework issued six years ago. A trade union is defined as an organisation formed by workers within an establishment employing more than 50 people.

For workplaces employing fewer than 50 workers, the decision allows employees to elect at least three worker representatives to monitor implementation of labour regulations, represent workers in collective labour disputes, and act on their behalf during strikes and workplace closures.

The Ministry also clarified the distinction between two key bodies involved in union formation. A Founding Committee is responsible for establishing and registering a trade union and must comprise at least three founding members, while a Preparatory Committee, also consisting of a minimum of three members selected from the general assembly, oversees elections for the union’s administrative board.
The decision introduces several measures aimed at strengthening governance and legal protections for trade union activities in Oman. It establishes a committee responsible for reviewing cases involving alleged violations against members of trade union administrative boards and examining employer actions taken against them. Employers are also prohibited from transferring union leaders from workplaces serving as union headquarters without their consent.

The regulations further require international and sectoral unions to obtain prior approval from the General Federation before joining international organisations or participating in overseas activities and programmes. In addition, unions and sectoral federations may only accept gifts or bequests with the Federation’s approval, provided they do not conflict with the objectives of trade union work.

While reaffirming existing restrictions prohibiting political activities and public statements deemed harmful to the state’s public interest, the decision significantly expands the operational powers of trade unions. These now include the right to initiate litigation to defend workers’ collective rights upon written request from members, participate in drafting and reviewing workplace regulations, access administrative and financial information relating to workers’ rights, and negotiate as well as conclude collective labour agreements.

Sectoral unions have also been granted new responsibilities, including participating in labour dispute settlement sessions upon invitation from the Ministry of Labour or at the request of affiliated trade unions. At the same time, a previous provision allowing them to consider requests to suspend members of affiliated union administrative boards has been removed.

The decision also considerably broadens the mandate of the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW), increasing its responsibilities from 14 to 21. These include promoting social dialogue among government, employers and workers, enhancing labour culture, improving workers’ skills and professional development, approving international participation by unions, representing workers during labour dispute settlements, concluding collective labour agreements, selecting union representatives across governorates, and taking disciplinary action against unions or officials in cases of serious violations.

Membership rules have also been revised. In addition to resignation, death and loss of legal capacity, board membership may now end upon loss of Omani citizenship. Grounds for dismissal have been expanded to include convictions for serious criminal offences involving dishonesty, actions deemed harmful to national security or unity, assuming employer authority, or becoming an employer.
The new regulations no longer include provisions relating to the Social Dialogue Committee that featured in the previous ministerial decision.

According to the GFOW, the decision reflects the gradual evolution of Oman’s trade union system and aligns the country’s labour framework more closely with international standards and practices. The Federation said the reforms build on broader legislative changes introduced through the 2023 Labour Law and reflect the continued expansion of organised labour, with more than 340 trade unions and eight sectoral unions currently operating across Oman.