Oman: Tourist VAT Refund Scheme Announced

Oman Observer, 5 February 2026: Oman’s Tax Authority has said the government will implement a VAT refund service for tourists once it has agreed costs and refund percentages with the companies that will operate the service.

The announcement was made during the Tax Authority’s first media briefing, which reviewed recent performance indicators and upcoming plans for the tax system. The Tax Authority said the tourist VAT refund service will be rolled out only after agreements with service providers have been finalised, and no launch date was provided in the reporting.

In the same briefing, the Director-General of Operations and Tax Services reported that the number of registrants rose in 2025 compared with 2021, including 88% for income tax, 120% for VAT, and 222% for excise tax. The authority also said it was working on advanced systems to strengthen efficiency and compliance, including electronic invoicing, the “Ta’akad” application, a tax risk management system, and the use of AI technologies. It further reported that Oman had signed about 39 effective double taxation agreements up to 2025.

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Oman: Labour Ministry Mandates Professional Classification for Industry Roles

Oman Observer, 29 January 2026: Oman’s Ministry of Labour have announced the rollout of a mandatory professional classification and licensing system for industrial sector occupations, tying workforce accreditation to work‑permit issuance.

Under the new framework, workers in designated industrial occupations will be required to obtain professional classification certificates or professional practice licences through the official accreditation platform. The Ministry have stated that the phased implementation will begin on 9 February 2026, while full enforcement will take effect from 1 May 2026. From that date, the Ministry will not issue or renew work permits unless the required professional accreditation has been obtained for the listed occupations.

The classification track covers professional and technical roles such as factory managers, operations and maintenance managers, analytical chemists, risk analysts, technicians, and designers, while the licensing track applies to skilled operational roles including machine operators, food industry technicians, carpenters, and stone and marble workers. The system applies to both Omani and expatriate workers employed in the relevant positions.

The Ministry urged employers to complete registration and accreditation procedures within the prescribed timelines to avoid disruptions to employment or operational activities.

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Oman: New Regulation For Work Injuries And Occupational Diseases

Oman Observer, 26 January 2026: Oman has introduced a new regulation governing work injuries and occupational diseases, expanding social insurance coverage and clarifying employer obligations under the country’s social protection framework.

The Social Protection Fund issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 1/2026 approving updated rules for the Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases Insurance Branch as part of efforts to strengthen worker protection across the Sultanate. The regulation requires employers to pay a monthly contribution of 1% of an insured employee’s wage, with the full cost borne by the employer.

Coverage is mandatory for all Omani workers, regardless of the form of employment. This includes workers employed under permanent, temporary, training, and part‑time contracts, as well as retired employees who continue to work. Authorities said the expansion aims to close protection gaps and ensure consistent insurance coverage across the labour market.

The Social Protection Fund stated that the regulation is designed to enhance financial security for workers who suffer workplace injuries or occupational illnesses, while reinforcing national standards for social protection.

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Oman: Sanad Service Centres Expand Support for Government Procedures

Oman Observer, 15 January 2026: Sanad Service Centres in Al Batinah South Governorate have strengthened their role as key facilitators of government procedures, improving service delivery and supporting economic activity across the region.

According to the Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the centres act as an important link between government institutions and the public, streamlining administrative processes and helping citizens and entrepreneurs complete transactions efficiently. A total of 85 Sanad Service Centres operate across the governorate — including 39 in Barka, 20 in Al Rustaq, 17 in Al Musannah, 5 in Nakhal, and 2 each in Al Awabi and Wadi Al Maawil — ensuring broad geographic coverage and ease of access for beneficiaries.

Officials stated that these centres also contribute significantly to employment, providing direct job opportunities for 213 Omanis, reinforcing their importance not only as service hubs but also as engines of local workforce development. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion aims to expand the range of services offered through Sanad Centres, aligning with national digital‑transition efforts and improving the efficiency of government‑service delivery.

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Oman: Ministry of Economy – Competencies Set and Structure Approved

Oman Observer, 12 January 2026: Oman defined the Ministry of Economy’s mandates, approved its organisational structure, and merged the Vision 2040 Implementation Follow‑up Unit into the ministry.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 13/2026 moves allocations, assets and staff from the Vision 2040 unit to the ministry, aiming for tighter strategy‑to‑execution alignment across the national plan.

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Oman: Government Approves New Financial Hub to Attract Investment and Create Jobs

Gulf News, 6 January 2026: Oman approved the establishment of the Oman Global Financial Centre to boost foreign investment, expand financial services and support long‑term economic diversification.

The Council of Ministers approved the creation of the Financial Centre as part of a wider programme to enhance the investment climate and strengthen the country’s position in regional and global capital markets. The initiative aims to provide a competitive platform for global banks, investment firms and specialist financial institutions, operating within a modern financial, legal and judicial framework aligned with international standards.

The new hub has been developed after extensive reviews of successful international financial‑centre models. It is expected to provide an enabling environment for commercial and Islamic banking, insurance, asset management and related services. The project is also designed to transfer knowledge into the domestic market and create high‑value jobs within the financial sector.

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Oman: State and Shura Councils Reach Consensus on Draft Anti‑Cyber‑Crime Law

Oman Observer, 17 December 2025: Oman’s State Council and Majlis Ash’shura have finalised an agreement on all disputed articles in the draft Anti‑Cyber‑Crime Law, moving it closer to enactment.

A joint committee comprising members of both legislative bodies met on 16 December 2025 to resolve 42 points of contention within the draft law referred by the Council of Ministers. The meeting included representatives from the secretaries-general of both councils and other specialists, ensuring a comprehensive review of the provisions.

The committee’s report will now be submitted to a joint session of the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura for further discussion and formal approval.

Once passed, the legislation will bolster Oman’s cybercrime framework, enhancing protections for individuals, businesses, and digital infrastructure. The agreement demonstrates the collaborative legislative process between the two councils and reflects the Sultanate’s commitment to fortifying its cyber‑regulatory regime.

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Oman: Sets New Safety Standards for Workplace Drainage Systems

The Arabian Stories, 8 December 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Labour has issued detailed workplace safety requirements focusing on drainage and floor ditch regulations, as part of its enforcement of occupational safety standards.

The ministry has outlined specific measures that employers must implement at work sites, citing Article 15 of the country’s Occupational Safety and Health regulations. The new guidelines require all drainage and floor ditches to be equipped with metre-high safety rails and clear warning signage.

Under the regulations, ditch covers must not exceed 2.5 centimetres above ground level, and ditch edges must maintain a maximum slope angle of 30 degrees. The ministry has also mandated that all covering lids must be constructed to withstand the weight of vehicles and machinery operating on site.

The announcement emphasises employers’ legal responsibility to maintain workplace safety, with company owners or their representatives required to implement these protective measures. The requirements apply to all business sectors operating within Oman.

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