Oman approves new association to regulate recruitment of expatriate workers

The decision, issued by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, under Ministerial Decision No. 405/2025 on November 20, establishes the Association of Expatriate Labour Recruitment Agencies. 

The new body will serve as a regulatory and coordinating authority for licensed recruitment offices, government bodies and private-sector employers within and outside the sultanate. 

Its mandate includes ensuring compliance with the Basic Law and labour regulations, representing member agencies before government entities, and helping resolve disputes involving agencies, employers and workers. 

This will include working with embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The association will also support efforts to curb unlicensed recruitment activities and contribute to wider labour market regulation. 

Part of its role will be to guide the recruitment of suitable workers for Oman, oversee memoranda of understanding with labour-sending countries, and broaden recruitment channels across nationalities, subject to government and embassy approvals. 

A 12-member board of directors will lead the association for a two-year term, with founding members eligible to contest board positions in the first general assembly. 

Funding will be drawn from membership fees, minister-approved donations and bequests, revenue from activities, government support, and other sources authorised by the ministry.