Oman and Bahrain introduce new foreign worker regulations

Oman and Bahrain have introduced new regulatory frameworks governing the employment of foreign workers.

In Oman, the Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decision No 390/2026, which establishes new rules for recruitment agencies. Effective January 1, 2027, the regulations require agencies to be licensed by the ministry, with ownership and authorized signatories being Omani nationals. The framework introduces unified contracts, financial guarantees of RO 5,000 to protect against breaches, and a 45-day limit for the recruitment process. Additionally, recruitment offices are prohibited from collecting fees from workers.

In Bahrain, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has implemented a reform allowing foreign workers to work for a second employer for up to 90 days without transferring their existing work permit. This change is designed to provide businesses with greater flexibility for short-term staffing needs. The arrangement requires the approval of the LMRA, the written consent of the employee, and agreement from both employers. The reform also facilitates the deployment of workers to other establishments within the same corporate group, provided they meet Bahrainisation requirements.