Muscat – Illegal employment and workers leaving their authorised jobs can distort Oman’s labour market, create unfair competition and fuel informal economic activity, a senior Ministry of Labour official has told Muscat Daily.

Hussain Ali Baqer Al Lawati, Director General of Labour Care, said violations could also have social and security consequences and undermine efforts to increase the employment of Omani nationals.

“Combating illegal and runaway labour is a shared national and legal responsibility,” Al Lawati said, stressing that tackling the issue requires cooperation between government authorities, employers and workers, alongside greater awareness of labour regulations.

Ministry data shows 17,577 violations related to the employment and work of non-Omanis were recorded between January and June 2026, down from 31,421 in the same period of 2025.

Common violations include employing workers without the required permits, allowing them to work for unauthorised employers, delays in paying wages or failure to register with the Wage Protection System, and inadequate occupational health and safety measures, particularly at construction sites.

Al Lawati said illegal labour gives non-compliant businesses an advantage by allowing them to avoid permit fees and other obligations, while potentially distorting prices and weakening the position of businesses that comply with the law.

He identified several factors behind violations, including employers knowingly hiring workers illegally, allowing employees to work for other employers and workers seeking higher incomes outside the terms of their permits.

Limited awareness among some employers of the legal, economic, social and health consequences also contributes to the problem, he said.

The ministry is responding through legislative reforms, digital integration, awareness campaigns, intensified inspections, improved recruitment procedures and programmes to train and employ Omani talent.

It is also working with security and regulatory authorities through electronic information sharing, joint inspections and referrals for investigation and legal action.

Tough penalties

Employers who violate the Labour Law can face up to one month in prison and a fine of RO2,000, or either penalty. Punishments may be doubled in certain cases, including when a worker entered Oman illegally or left the employer authorised to employ them.

Repeat offences can attract increased penalties, with fines applying to each violating worker. Employers may also be barred from recruiting non-Omani workers for up to two years and required to cover the cost of returning workers to their home countries.

Workers employed without permits or by unauthorised employers can face imprisonment, fines, deportation and cancellation of their work permits.

Al Lawati said digital systems have strengthened labour market monitoring by linking work permits with company records, improving inspections and helping identify sectors with higher levels of non-compliance.

He urged employers to ensure workers are authorised to work for their establishments and not allow them to work elsewhere without the required approval.

“Compliance with labour regulations is essential for a more organised, competitive and stable labour market that protects workers, employers and the wider economy,” he said.