Muscat – Starting July 19, mandatory sick leave and extraordinary leave insurance cover will be extended to expatriate employees in both the public and private sectors under a new decision aimed at expanding the country’s social protection system.

The move follows Decision No 13/2026, issued by H E Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the Social Protection Fund (SPF), specifying the categories of non-Omani workers covered by the insurance scheme.

Under the decision, the Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance rule will apply to all non-Omani employees working in state administrative units and other public legal entities, as well as expatriates employed by private sector establishments governed by the Labour Law.

The decision brings expatriate workers under a formal insurance framework that provides income support during periods of illness or other exceptional circumstances that prevent them from working.

The expansion is part of broader reforms to strengthen Oman’s social protection system and enhance welfare provisions for employees contributing to the national economy. It is also expected to support workforce stability by providing greater financial security during temporary incapacity.

The ministerial decision was issued on June 15 and will take effect on July 19, making enrolment under the sick leave and extraordinary leave insurance mandatory for all eligible expatriate employees.