Saturday 26 / July / 2025
A critical protection for workers in Oman is explicitly outlined in Labour Law. Passport retention by employers is a well-documented practice that can severely restrict a worker’s freedom of movement, their ability to leave an unsatisfactory or abusive employment situation, seek alternative work legally, or even depart the country upon contract completion.
Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, a representative of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading law office in Oman, explained that Article 6 of the labour law unequivocally states: “It is not permitted for the employer to keep the passport of the worker or his personal documents except with the written consent of the worker.”
This provision serves as a fundamental safeguard against exploitation and potential forced labour scenarios.
By making such retention illegal without explicit, documented consent, the law empowers workers to retain control over their crucial identification and travel documents.
The written consent requirement is legally critical. It precludes undue pressure or verbal authorisations. Critically, employers cannot disregard this prohibition through verbal arrangements, coercive practices, or employment contract clauses that contravene Article 6,” stated Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm.
Another spokesperson from the law firm added that violating Article 6 carries serious consequences under Article 147 of the Labour Law. Employers who illegally retain passports face fines of OMR500 to OMR1,000 per affected worker, with penalties doubling for repeat violations.
Therefore, Oman’s Labour Law establishes a clear and strong stance: Employers holding worker passports is breaking the law and face substantial penalties. Workers possess the legal right to retain their passports, ensuring their mobility and protection against undue control. This empowers expatriate employees to freely exit unsatisfactory employment, pursue legal remedies, or depart Oman post-contract without obstruction, the expert said.
*(Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established 18 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).
