Oman (OM)
Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.
Social Security in Oman
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
Oman operates a two-track social protection system: Omanis are covered by the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI), which provides pension, disability, death, and unemployment insurance. Expatriate workers are explicitly excluded from PASI and receive no government social security coverage. Instead, expats benefit from mandatory End of Service Gratuity (ESG) paid by employers on departure, and are entitled to minimum sick pay and annual leave under the Labour Law. Since 2021, Oman has been developing a broader National Social Protection System (NSPS) for Omanis. The Wage Protection System (WPS) ensures timely salary payment for all workers. Expats must fund their own retirement savings independently.
Civil ID Number (Civil Registry Number)
رقم البطاقة المدنية
Issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) upon obtaining a Residence Permit. Apply through employer/PRO with employment visa, passport, medical fitness certificate, and biometric data. Receive a plastic Civil ID card (Iqama). Civil ID is mandatory for all legal residents (work visa, family visa, student visa holders). Processing: 2–4 weeks after work permit issuance.
- Identity verification at all government offices
- Bank account opening (mandatory)
- Health insurance registration
- Car registration and driving licence
- Signing property leases
- Telecom/utility contracts
- School enrollment
- OmanPASS digital identity
- Travel within Oman (including domestic flights)
Benefits & Support Payments
End of Service Gratuity (ESG)
مكافأة نهاية الخدمة
Mandatory cash payment by employer to expat employee upon completion of employment. Not a pension — a one-time departure payment. Calculation: 15 working days of basic salary for each of the first 3 years of service; then 1 calendar month of basic salary per year for each subsequent year. Proportional for partial years.
All expat employees who complete at least 1 year of service. Employees dismissed with cause still entitled to ESG after 1 year. Employees who resign also entitled. ESG cannot be waived in contract. ESG calculated on BASIC salary only — not housing, transport, or other allowances.
Entitled automatically at end of employment. Employer must pay within the final payslip or within 7 days of employment end. If withheld: file complaint at Ministry of Labour (mol.gov.om) or call 1508.
Wage Protection System (WPS)
نظام حماية الأجور
Electronic salary monitoring system requiring employers to pay salaries through approved banking channels by the 10th of each month. ROP and Ministry of Labour can detect and sanction employers who don't pay on time. Protects all workers including expats.
All private sector employees in Oman — mandatory for employers
Automatically implemented through salary bank account. If salary not received by 15th of month: report to Ministry of Labour (1508) immediately.
PASI Unemployment Insurance (Omanis only)
تأمين البطالة
Monthly unemployment benefit for registered Omani workers who lose jobs involuntarily. Not available to expatriates.
Omani nationals enrolled in PASI who have paid contributions for at least 6 months. Expats EXCLUDED.
PASI application (for Omanis). Expats: no equivalent — must rely on own savings and ESG.
PASI Old Age Pension (Omanis only)
معاش التقاعد
Monthly pension for Omani nationals who reach retirement age (55 men, 50 women) and have contributed to PASI. Not available to expatriates.
Omani nationals with 20+ years PASI contributions. Minimum pension: approx OMR 325/month.
PASI application 6 months before retirement age (for Omanis)
Ministry of Social Development — Social Aid
وزارة التنمية الاجتماعية
Social welfare, housing assistance, and cash support for Omani nationals in need. Not available to expats.
Omani nationals meeting poverty thresholds
Ministry of Social Development offices
Embassy Emergency Repatriation
مساعدة السفارة في حالات الطوارئ
Emergency travel assistance, repatriation loans, and protection services provided by your home country embassy in Muscat. Used when expat is stranded, victimised, or facing deportation.
Citizens of the respective country in genuine emergency — no local options remaining
Contact your home country embassy in Muscat directly. Emergency contact numbers on embassy website.
Contribution Overview
PASI contributions (Omanis only): employee 7% + employer 10.5% + government 1% = 18.5% of insured salary. Expats pay NO PASI contributions and receive NO PASI benefits. Expats should independently contribute to home-country pension schemes, international private pensions, or invest savings for retirement.
International Social Security Agreements
Oman has no bilateral social security totalization agreements with EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, or Australia. Years worked in Oman do not count toward pension entitlement in your home country. Exception: if you maintain voluntary contributions to your home country pension (e.g. UK NI voluntary contributions from abroad) — highly recommended for anyone planning eventual return to their home country. Check with your home country social security authority before departure.
The complete absence of social security for expats is one of Oman's most important financial planning considerations. Expats are responsible for 100% of their own retirement funding, disability insurance, and unemployment protection. Recommended actions: (1) Maintain home-country voluntary pension contributions if possible. (2) Invest monthly savings in ETF/investment portfolio (consider Schwab International, Interactive Brokers). (3) Purchase critical illness and income protection insurance. (4) Save 3–6 months expenses as emergency fund. (5) Negotiate maximum End of Service Gratuity package at offer stage — it is the only guaranteed departure benefit.
Social Security
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