In 2020, Oman made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. In December 2020, the Royal Oman Police stood up a dedicated counter-trafficking in persons unit for responding directly to reports of human trafficking and implementing anti-trafficking best practices within the Royal Oman Police. In August 2020, the Ministry of Labor created its own dedicated counter-trafficking in persons unit under its Inspection Department. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a specialized trafficking in persons office in March 2020. Although research is limited, there is evidence that small numbers of children in Oman engage in child labor, including in fishing and selling items in kiosks. Government policies do not address all forms of child labor and the Ministry of Labor is not represented on the National Committee on Implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child or the National Child Protection Committee.
Although research is limited, there is evidence that small numbers of children in Oman engage in child labor, including in fishing and selling items in kiosks. (1-3) The law limits children's work to a family business. (4) Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Oman. Data on some of these indicators are not available from the sources used in this report.
|
Children |
Age |
Percent |
|---|---|---|
|
Working (% and population) |
5 to 14 |
Unavailable |
|
Attending School (%) |
5 to 14 |
Unavailable |
|
Combining Work and School (%) |
7 to 14 |
Unavailable |
|
Primary Completion Rate (%) |
100.9 |
Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2019, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2021. (5)
Source for all other data: Data were unavailable from ILO's analysis, 2021. (6)
Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.
|
Sector/Industry |
Activity |
|---|---|
|
Agriculture |
Farming, activities unknown (1,3) |
|
Fishing, activities unknown (1-3) |
|
|
Services |
Selling food items in kiosks, including fish† and grilled meat† (1) |
† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of ILO C. 182.
On March 15, 2020, the Omani Government suspended in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Education provided virtual learning to students while classroom learning was suspended. (3) The government built the capacity of more than 200 social workers and psychiatrists to provide social and psychological support to children during the pandemic, and disseminated virus-prevention awareness material, including videos in sign language. (7) The 2020–2021 school year began in November 2020 and the government continued to provide distance learning options for families and students who did not wish to return to the classroom. (3)
Limited evidence suggests that children with disabilities may face barriers to accessing education because some school buses are not wheelchair accessible. In addition, the government has not allocated resources to enable relevant ministries and schools to provide equal educational services to intellectually disabled students. (8,9) However, the Ministry of Education continues to support schools and education programs for intellectually disabled students. These services accommodate students with special needs such as motor, sight, hearing, and mental disabilities. (7) Since 2005, the Ministry of Education has implemented a program to integrate students with special needs into primary schools. (7)
Oman has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).
|
Convention |
Ratification |
|---|---|
|
ILO C. 138, Minimum Age |
✓ |
|
ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor |
✓ |
|
UN CRC |
✓ |
|
UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict |
✓ |
|
UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography |
✓ |
|
Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons |
✓ |
The government’s laws and regulations are in line with relevant international standards (Table 4).
|
Standard |
Meets International Standards |
Age |
Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Age for Work |
Yes |
15 |
Article 75 of the Labor Law (10) |
|
Minimum Age for Hazardous Work |
Yes |
18 |
Article 76 of the Labor Law; Article 45 of the Child Law (10,11) |
|
Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children |
Yes |
Article 76 of the Labor Law; Ministry of Manpower Order 217/2016 (10,12) |
|
|
Prohibition of Forced Labor |
Yes |
Articles 1–2 and 9 of the Law to Combat Human Trafficking; Article 3 bis of the Labor Law (10,13) |
|
|
Prohibition of Child Trafficking |
Yes |
Articles 1–2 and 9 of the Law to Combat Human Trafficking (13) |
|
|
Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children |
Yes |
Articles 1–2 and 9 of the Law to Combat Human Trafficking; Articles 254–255 and 267–268 of the Penal Code (13,14) |
|
|
Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities |
Yes |
Articles 58 and 74 of the Child Law; Article 43 of the Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (11,15) |
|
|
Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment |
Yes |
16 |
Article 55 of the Child Law (11) |
|
Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military |
Yes* |
Article 55 of the Child Law (11) |
|
|
Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups |
Yes |
Articles 1(f) and 55 of the Child Law (11) |
|
|
Compulsory Education Age |
Yes |
15‡ |
Article 36 of the Child Law (11,16) |
|
Free Public Education |
Yes |
Article 13 of the Basic Law; Article 36 of the Child Law (11,17) |
* No conscription (18)
‡ Age calculated based on available information (18)
The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the authority of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.
|
Organization/Agency |
Role |
|---|---|
|
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. (19) In 2020, the government merged the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Civil Service, National Training Fund, and National Center for Employment to create the new MOL. (3) In addition, in August 2020, MOL created a dedicated counter-trafficking in persons unit under its Inspection Department. (3,7) |
|
Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) |
Enforces the Child Law, including by receiving complaints and referring cases to the Royal Oman Police and the Office of the Public Prosecutor. (19) |
|
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. (19) In December 2020, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) stood up a dedicated counter-trafficking in persons unit for responding directly to reports of human trafficking and implementing anti-trafficking best practices within the ROP. (7) |
|
Office of the Public Prosecutor |
Prosecutes human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases in court with assistance from the Royal Oman Police. (19,20) |
|
Child Protection Committee |
Protects children from exploitation, 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. (19,21) |
Labor Law Enforcement
In 2020, labor law enforcement agencies in Oman took actions to combat child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the authority of the Ministry of Labor (MOL) that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including labor inspector refresher courses.
|
Overview of Labor Law Enforcement |
2019 |
2020 |
|---|---|---|
|
Labor Inspectorate Funding |
Unknown (22) |
Unknown (3) |
|
Number of Labor Inspectors |
Unknown (22) |
303 (7) |
|
Inspectorate Authorized to Assess Penalties |
Yes (10,11,23) |
Yes (10,11,23) |
|
Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors |
Unknown (22) |
Yes (7) |
|
Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor |
Unknown (22) |
N/A |
|
Refresher Courses Provided |
Unknown (22) |
Unknown (3) |
|
Number of Labor Inspections Conducted |
5,629 (4) |
Unknown (3) |
|
Number Conducted at Worksite |
Unknown (22) |
Unknown (3) |
|
Number of Child Labor Violations Found |
0 (22) |
0 (3) |
|
Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Routine Inspections Conducted |
Yes (22) |
Yes (3) |
|
Routine Inspections Targeted |
Unknown (22) |
Unknown (3) |
|
Unannounced Inspections Permitted |
Yes (22) |
Yes (23) |
|
Unannounced Inspections Conducted |
Yes (22) |
Yes (22) |
|
Complaint Mechanism Exists |
Yes (22) |
Yes (22) |
|
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (22) |
Yes (22) |
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. (24) 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, the case may be referred to the judiciary where penalties can be assessed. (24) In 2020, MOL responded to 22,580 labor complaints and financial disputes. Labor authorities settled 9,057 cases and referred 7,602 cases to judicial authorities for adjudication, with 5,921 cases still pending. (7) MOL did not find any child labor violations in responding to these complaints. (7) Moreover, a MOL official stated in early 2020 that he had not reviewed an inspection report indicating child labor in over a decade of service. (3)
The government did not provide information on labor inspectorate funding, the exact number of labor inspections conducted or whether targeted inspections were conducted for inclusion in this report, but officials reported that the number of labor inspections surpassed 8,000. (7)
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 and refer suspected violators for criminal investigation. (3)
Criminal Law Enforcement
In 2020, the government's criminal law enforcement agencies appeared to function adequately in addressing child labor (Table 7).
|
Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement |
2019 |
2020 |
|---|---|---|
|
Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators |
Yes (22) |
Yes (3) |
|
Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Refresher Courses Provided |
Unknown (22) |
Unknown (3) |
|
Number of Investigations |
0 (22) |
0 (3) |
|
Number of Violations Found |
0 (22) |
0 (3) |
|
Number of Prosecutions Initiated |
0 (22) |
0 (3) |
|
Number of Convictions |
0 (22) |
0 (3) |
|
Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (22) |
Yes (3) |
In March 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a specialized trafficking in persons office. (3)
The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder the effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including the omission of MOL from the National Child Protection Committee.
|
Coordinating Body |
Role & Description |
|---|---|
|
National Child Protection Committee |
Consists of representatives from the Ministries of Social Development, Health, and Education and the Royal Oman Police. Oversees regional committees, which are responsible for coordinating intervention with children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or other related issues, and works with UNICEF on several projects related to child intervention. (3) MOL is not represented. (3) In the second quarter of 2020, regional child protection committees handled 179 cases of child abuse in Oman and placed victimized children in the MOSD-run protective services shelter in Muscat. (7) |
|
National Committee on Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child |
Led by the MOSD Under Secretary and consists of representatives from government and private organizations concerned with children’s rights. Submits proposals to achieve the Convention’s principles and follows up on the UN body’s comments and recommendations. (7) MOL is not represented. (7) In 2020, the National Committee on Implementing the UN CRC participated in the first Gulf Cooperation Council conference on autism, organized workshops on child protection, and provided health, educational, and social services to children. (7) |
|
National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking |
Oversees the National Plan for Combating Human Trafficking. Includes the Royal Oman Police and 12 other state agencies, 2 more than the previous reporting period. (3,19) Active in 2020. (3) |
The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including coverage of all forms of child labor.
|
Policy |
Description |
|---|---|
|
National Plan for Combating Human Trafficking (2018–2020) |
Aimed to raise awareness among migrant workers on their rights and responsibilities and to raise awareness on countering human trafficking through leaflets, posters, websites, and social media. Established a human trafficking task force, including representatives from the former Ministry of Manpower (consolidated along with other ministries into MOL in 2020), ROP, MOSD, and other agencies, to follow up on cases of human trafficking. (3,25) Established specialized human trafficking units in the Court of Appeals in Muscat and in the above-mentioned ministries. Regulated domestic work and allowed for inspection of homes upon receipt of complaints from domestic workers. (25) Provided annual training to government agencies and private companies on countering human trafficking. (25) In 2020, the Government of Oman funded training on human trafficking, identified and provided protective services to trafficking victims, and hosted a forum on Oman’s efforts to combat human trafficking with labor-sending countries. (7) |
Although the Government of Oman has adopted the National Plan for Combating Human Trafficking, it does not have a comprehensive policy to address all forms of child labor, including in farming and fishing.
In 2020, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor, which cover the main sectors in which child labor has been identified in the country (Table 10).
|
Program |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Social Security Cash Transfer Program† |
Provides assistance to children in low-income families, including educational services. (21) Active in 2020. (3) |
† Program is funded by the Government of Oman
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Oman (Table 11).
|
Area |
Suggested Action |
Year(s) Suggested |
|---|---|---|
|
Enforcement |
Collect and publish data on labor inspectorate funding, the number of labor inspectors, training, and number of labor inspections conducted. |
2013 – 2020 |
|
Ensure that refresher courses are provided for criminal investigators. |
2019 – 2020 |
|
|
Coordination |
Ensure that the Ministry of Labor participates in the National Child Protection Committee and the National Committee on Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. |
2016 – 2020 |
|
Government Policies |
Develop a national policy to address all forms of child labor that occur within Oman, including in farming and fishing. |
2013 – 2020 |
|
Social Programs |
Collect and publish data on the extent and nature of child labor to inform policies and programs. |
2017 – 2020 |
|
Ensure that all children have equal access to education, including children with disabilities. |
2011 – 2020 |
- Umar, Baba and Tariq Al Haremi. Child Labour Prevalent among Low-Income Families in Oman. Times of Oman, June 25, 2016. http://timesofoman.com/article/86806/Oman/Government/Child-labour-prevalent-among-low-income-families-in-Oman-says-Survey
- Al Murashi, Fahad. Omani Brothers Still Missing at Sea. Gulf News, February 13, 2016.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/omani-brothers-still-missing-at-sea-1.1671573 - U.S. Embassy- Muscat. Reporting. February 21, 2021.
- U.S. Embassy- Muscat official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 22, 2020.
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 3, 2021. For more information, please see “Children’s Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report. http://data.uis.unesco.org/
- ILO. Analysis of Child Economic Activity and School Attendance Statistics from National Household or Child Labor Surveys. Analysis received March 2021. For more information, please see “Children’s Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- U.S. Embassy- Muscat official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 21, 2021.
- UN CRC. Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties Under Article 44 of the Convention: Concluding Observations: Oman. Geneva, March 14, 2016: CRC/C/OMN/CO/3-4.
http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC/C/OMN/CO/3-4&Lang=En - U.S. Embassy- Muscat official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. May 20, 2018.
- Government of Oman. Royal Decree No. 35/2003 Issuing the Labour Law. Enacted: April 26, 2003.
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/67540/84139/F1719028671/OMN67540.pdf - Government of Oman. Royal Decree Number 22/2014 Issuing the Child's Law. Enacted: May 19, 2014.
https://www.mindbank.info/item/5887 - Government of Oman. Ministry of Manpower, Order 217/2016. Enacted: July 4, 2016.
http://data.qanoon.om/ar/md/momp/2016-0217.pdf - Government of Oman. Royal Decree No 126/2008 Anti-Trafficking Law. Enacted: November 23, 2008.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/81766/92282/F1786958440/OMN81766 2.pdf - Government of Oman. Royal Decree No. 7 of 2018 promulgating the Penal Code. Official Gazette No. 1226. January 11, 2018. Source on file.
- Government of Oman. Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, promulgated by Royal Decree 17 of 1999, as amended by Royal Decree 34 of 2015. October 5, 2015. Source on file.
- UNESCO. Oman: Education and Literacy. Accessed: July 6, 2021. http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/om
- Government of Oman. Sultani Decree No. 101/96 Promulgating the Basic Statute of the State. Enacted: November 6, 1996. http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/details.jsp?id=6118
- U.S. Embassy- Muscat. Reporting. January 16, 2018.
- U.S. Embassy- Muscat. Reporting. January 5, 2017.
- Sultanate of Oman National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. National Plan for Combating Human Trafficking. Muscat, September 2009. Source on file.
- Government of Oman. Efforts of the Sultanate of Oman to limit the worst forms of child labor and trafficking in persons, and some observations on the report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor on Child Labor and trafficking in persons in the Sultanate. December 19, 2016. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Muscat. Reporting. March 11, 2020.
- Ministry of Manpower. Guide to Labor Inspection. Source on file.
- Al Muqhasi, Sheikha. Follow labour law or face the consequences. Times of Oman, September 21, 2019.
https://timesofoman.com/article/1955179/Oman/Follow-labour-law-or-face-the-consequences- - Government of Oman. National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking 2018–2020. 2018. Source on file.
