Muscat – The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has issued a new regulatory framework governing the formation, registration and operations of trade unions, sectoral general unions and the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW).

The ministry stated that the decision (No 284/2026) is part of efforts to complete the legislative framework governing the labour market and strengthen partnership between employers and workers in line with the Labour Law.

The regulations establish procedures for creating, registering and managing trade unions, while defining their rights, responsibilities and powers. These are intended to enhance the role of trade unions in representing workers and safeguarding their legitimate interests within the provisions of the law.

The decision also sets out detailed requirements for establishing trade unions and sectoral general unions, including the responsibilities of founding and preparatory committees during the formation process. It further outlines the procedures for electing administrative boards.

To ensure continuity, existing trade unions, sectoral general unions and their elected administrative boards will continue to exercise their legal powers until the end of their current terms.

The regulations also provide for the establishment of a Legal Protection Committee to examine cases involving alleged violations by members of trade union administrative boards, sectoral general unions, GFOW, founding and preparatory committees, and workers’ representatives.

According to the MoL, the committee will strengthen legal safeguards for individuals engaged in trade union activities while supporting the effective implementation of the new regulatory framework.