The Arabian Stories, 28 June 2026: Oman will extend compulsory sick leave and extraordinary leave insurance coverage to expatriate employees in the public and private sectors starting July 20, 2026, under a new decision by the Social Protection Fund.
The measure, introduced through Oman Decision No. 13/2026, makes participation in the insurance scheme mandatory for expatriate workers employed in the State Administrative Apparatus, other public legal entities, and private sector establishments governed by Oman Sultani Decree No. 35/2003 on the Promulgation of the Labour Law.
The Social Protection Fund stated that the expansion aims to strengthen social protection and ensure broader benefits for insured workers across the Sultanate. The sick leave and extraordinary leave insurance branch has been in effect for Omani workers since July 2019, covering employees in both public and private sectors, including temporary and training contracts, as well as retirees.
Under the new provisions, coverage will now extend to expatriates working in government entities and private sector establishments subject to Oman Sultani Decree No. 35/2003. However, the rules do not apply to expatriate workers outside the Oman Sultani Decree No. 35/2003 scope, such as domestic workers.
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