The Ministry of Labour (the "MOL")
has issued an important directive affecting the termination of
Omani national employees in the private sector. On 7 January 2026,
the Minister of Labour confirmed — in response to a question
raised by a member of the Majlis A'Shura — that employers
are now required to notify the MOL and obtain formal approval prior
to terminating the services of any Omani national employee.
This directive applies across the private sector and represents
a significant regulatory development aimed at strengthening job
security for Omani nationals.
Under the directive, employers must submit a formal termination
request to the MOL for review, and no termination may be effected
without the prior written approval of the MOL. Each request will be
subject to detailed scrutiny, requiring employers to demonstrate
clear and valid economic or operational justifications for the
proposed termination, and any termination implemented without
compliance may
