Oman launches new recruitment association to regulate hiring of foreign workers

Oman has established a new industry body to regulate foreign worker recruitment and strengthen governance in the labour market, according to Atheer newspaper, as reported by Gulf News. The Association of Expatriate Worker Recruitment Offices will coordinate with government agencies to standardise hiring practices, resolve disputes, and curb unlicensed operators.

Formed under the Civil Associations Law, the association will work with government institutions inside and outside Oman on recruitment policies. It will represent licensed recruitment offices before authorities and ensure compliance with national legislation, safeguarding their operational rights.

The association will specialise in settling labour disputes by liaising with foreign embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The focus will be on resolving conflicts using reconciliation mechanisms and preventing escalation in cases involving foreign workers.


In support of Oman’s labour market needs, the entity will assist government efforts to recruit skilled workers through regulated channels. This includes validating memoranda of understanding with labour-exporting countries and widening the recruitment base to multiple nationalities with diplomatic approval.

A key mandate of the association is to detect and eliminate unlicensed recruitment offices across the country as part of wider labour market reforms.

The association will be managed by a 12-member Board of Directors with two-year terms and eligibility for one re-election. Funding will come from membership fees, government subsidies, approved donations and gifts, revenue from activities, and other sources authorised by the Ministry.