Oman
Oman’s overly broad laws restrict the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. The authorities target peaceful activists, pro-reform bloggers, and government critics using short term arrests and detentions and other forms of harassment. Although the law states that all citizens are equal and bans gender-based discrimination, women face discrimination under the law in matters of divorce, inheritance, child custody and legal guardianship. Oman’s kafala (sponsorship) immigrant labor system and lack of labor law protections leaves the country’s more than 140,000 migrant domestic workers exposed to abuse and exploitation by employers.

- Labor Rights
Human Rights Watch Remarks to European Parliament Trade Committee on EU-Gulf relationsNovember 4, 2025
Commentary
Researcher, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates
Videos
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- September 1, 2025 Statement
Joint Statement: Human Rights Concerns Regarding the UK’s Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council

- October 23, 2024 News Release
Oman: New Social Security Law Step in the Right Direction

- September 30, 2024 Background Briefing
Human Rights Watch Recommendations to the EU on Partnership Agreements Negotiations with GCC Countries
- December 18, 2023 News Release
Gulf States Treat Migrant Workforce as Disposable
Use International Migrants Day to End Mistreatment of Essential Workers

- July 18, 2023 News Release
Middle East and North Africa: End Curbs on Women’s Mobility
Male Guardianship Rules Hamper Travel, Other Movement

- May 3, 2023 News Release
UK: Rights Action Needed for Gulf Trade Pact
Agreement Without Improvement Could Harm Workers

- May 17, 2022 Letter
HRW Letter to the EU on its New Partnership with the Gulf Countries
- May 10, 2021 News Release
Middle East/North Africa: End Violent Punishment of Children
Human Rights Watch Introduces Country Index Based on Laws, Policies

- November 30, 2020 Statement
Submission to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on Oman
88th Pre-Session
- July 13, 2020 Letter
Letter Re: Arrests and Convictions Under Oman’s 2018 Penal Code
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