Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
Oman
Moderate Advancement
In 2023, Oman made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The government enacted a new labor law that reaffirmed preexisting articles on child labor. The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking launched a two-month human trafficking public awareness campaign called Insan, which included billboards, airport displays, websites, and social media posts in several languages. Additionally, it overhauled its social insurance policies, establishing a singular, unified welfare framework administered under the Social Protection Fund. The fund now includes a monthly child benefit of $26 (10 Omani rial) for all Omani children until age 18, with additional benefits for orphans and widows, as well as stipends for lower-income families that vary by family size. Child labor is not visible in Oman, although a small number of children may work informally with their families, including in fishing and farming. Survey data are needed on the extent and nature of child labor to inform law enforcement, policies, and programs.
Children | Age | Percent of Population |
---|---|---|
Working | 5 to 14 | Unavailable |
Hazardous Work by Children | 15 to 17 | Unavailable |
Attending School | 5 to 14 | Unavailable |
Combining Work and School | 7 to 14 | Unavailable |
Sector/Industry | Activity |
---|---|
Agriculture | Farming and fishing. |
Children at Higher Risk
Children in rural and coastal areas of Oman may be vulnerable to child labor in farming and fishing.
Standard | Age | Meets International Standards | Legislation |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Age for Work | 15 | ✓ | Articles 1 and 98 of the Labor Law |
Minimum Age for Hazardous Work | 18 | ✓ | Articles 45, 46, and 71 of the Child Law; Article 2 of Ministry of Manpower Order 217/2016 |
Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children | ✓ | Article 5 of Ministry of Manpower Order 217/2016 | |
Prohibition of Slavery, Debt Bondage, and Forced Labor | ✓ | Articles 1, 2, 8, and 9 of the Anti-Trafficking Law | |
Prohibition of Child Trafficking | ✓ | Articles 1, 2, 8, and 9 of the Anti-Trafficking Law | |
Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children | ✓ | Articles 1, 2, 8, and 9 of the Anti-Trafficking Law; Articles 254, 255, and 267 of the Penal Code | |
Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities | ✓ | Articles 58 and 74 of the Child Law; Article 43 of the Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances | |
Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment | 16 | ✓ | Article 55 of the Child Law |
Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military | ✓* | Article 55 of the Child Law | |
Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups | ✓ | Articles 1(f), 55, and 72 of the Child Law | |
Compulsory Education Age | 15‡ | ✓ | Article 36 of the Child Law |
Free Public Education | ✓ | Article 36 of the Child Law |
* Country has no conscription
‡ Age calculated based on available information
In June 2023, the government enacted a new labor law reaffirming preexisting articles on child labor.
Organization/Agency | Role & Activities |
---|
Ministry of Labor (MOL): Monitors and enforces child labor laws, conducts labor inspections, and shares information with the Royal Oman Police on labor and criminal law violations when penalties are pursued. According to the government, MOL conducts yearly inspections of all private institutions and re-inspections of workplaces found to be in violation of labor laws. Labor inspections are also conducted following a complaint. If a violation is found, the institution is given a set period of time to address the problem. If an institution fails to address the violation, a fine may be levied. MOL can refer cases of child labor to the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) if the child is under the minimum age for work. MOL and MOSD can also coordinate with the Royal Oman Police to shelter child victims in a MOSD-run facility and refer suspected violators for criminal investigation. In addition, the labor inspectorate has a specialized unit composed of two people to conduct inspections related to suspected human trafficking. The unit is charged with bringing indicators of trafficking to the ministry and transferring cases to the Public Prosecutor's Office for further investigation. |
Royal Oman Police: Monitor and enforce the Child Law, including its provisions related to child labor, and refer cases to the Office of the Public Prosecutor. |
Overview of Enforcement Efforts | 2023 |
---|---|
Has a Labor Inspectorate | Yes |
Able to Assess Civil Penalties | Yes |
Routinely Conducted Worksite Inspections | Yes |
Unannounced Inspections Permitted | Yes |
Has a Complaint Mechanism | Yes |
Imposed Penalties for Child Labor Violations | N/A |
Conducted Criminal Investigations for Worst Forms of Child Labor Crimes | N/A |
Imposed Penalties for Worst Forms of Child Labor Crimes | N/A |
Between January 1, 2023, and June 24, 2023, 370 labor inspectors conducted 4,149 worksite inspections, finding no child labor violations. It is unknown whether investigations into suspected cases of the worst forms of child labor were conducted or prosecutions were initiated. The government convicted two perpetrators.
Coordinating Body | Role & Activities |
---|
National Child Protection Committee: Consists of representatives from MOSD, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Royal Oman Police. Receives complaints and reports of child labor and investigates reported cases to determine whether children are engaged in prohibited activities or whether working has negative effects on their health or education. Also refers children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or other related issues to social services. Continued to work with UNICEF on several projects related to child protection during the reporting period. |
Policy | Description & Activities |
---|
National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2021–2023): Aimed to educate stakeholders on their rights and responsibilities, train authorities on addressing human trafficking, coordinate government services for survivors, and develop new policies and best practices. Overseen by the National Council on Combating Human Trafficking, which consists of relevant government ministries, the Oman Human Rights Council, the Oman Chamber of Commerce, and the General Federation of Oman Workers. In 2023, recommended modifications and additions to the national action plan to combat human trafficking. Additionally, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking launched a 2-month human trafficking public awareness campaign called Insan, which included billboards, airport displays, websites, and social media posts in several languages. |
Program | Description & Activities |
---|
Social Security Cash Transfer Program:† Provides assistance to children in low-income families, including educational services. In 2023, Oman overhauled its social insurance policies, establishing a singular, unified welfare framework administered under the Social Protection Fund. The fund includes a monthly child benefit of $26 (10 OMR) for all Omani children until age 18, with additional benefits targeted at orphans and widows. It also includes a family income support benefit for lower-income families calculated based on a target income which varies with family size. |
Dar al-Wifaq Shelter†: MOSD operates a shelter, Dar al Wifaq, for women and child victims of human trafficking; 15 of the shelter's beds are allocated for children. The shelter provides a number of services for victims of human trafficking that include psychological counseling, health care, and pro bono legal advocacy through the Lawyers Association. In 2023, the shelter reported assisting 36 people, including 2 boys. |
For information about USDOL’s projects to address child labor around the world, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/ilab-project-page-search
† Program is funded by the Government of Oman.
Area | Suggested Action |
---|---|
Social Programs | Collect and publish data on the extent and nature of child labor to inform policies and programs. |
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