Sunday 15 / June / 2025
Many employees wonder whether they must repay visa or recruitment costs if they resign during their probation period in Oman. The answer is clear under the Omani Labour Law.
Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, a representative from Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading law office in the Sultanate of Oman, explained that under Article 31, employers or recruitment agencies are not allowed to charge any amount to the employee for recruitment.
This includes visa fees, hiring costs, medical tests, or any other employment-related expenses. These costs are strictly the employer’s responsibility.
When it comes to the probation period, “Article 37 of the Labour Law allows either the employer or the employee to terminate the employment contract during probation, if it is found that it is unsuitable to continue the employment.
A minimum of seven days’ notice must be given by either party. However, there is no legal requirement for the employee to repay any visa or hiring costs if they decide to resign during this period,” explained Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm.
Another spokesperson from the law firm added that, “some companies may try to include clauses in employment contracts requiring the employee to pay back visa or recruitment costs if they leave early.
However, according to Article 4 of the Labour Law, any clause in the employment contract that contradicts the law is invalid, even if the employee has signed it.”
Omani law protects workers from being forced to repay hiring costs under any circumstances, including resignation during probation. Any attempt by employers to recover such expenses from employees is a clear violation of the law. Employees facing such demands should document and report the matter to the Ministry of Labour, as such practices are considered clear violations subject to legal penalties, 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).
