Oman’s Ministry of Labour Denies 30-Year Retirement Rumor

In light of confusion stemming from social media posts regarding a purported “30-year service rule,” Oman’s Ministry of Labour released an official statement on October 27, 2025, to clarify that no such policy exists. The Ministry emphasized that Oman’s labor regulations remain unchanged and that retirement decisions continue to follow existing guidelines.

Understanding the Rumor – What Happened?

The recent uproar began with a series of forwarded messages on various social media platforms, leading many employees, particularly in government positions, to believe a new law mandated retirement after 30 years of service. The false claims quickly gained traction, causing widespread uncertainty among both public and private sector employees. Some individuals even began devising financial plans or early retirement strategies based on these misleading narratives.

Official Statement from the Ministry of Labour

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) promptly addressed the situation, declaring that the rumors surrounding compulsory retirement are entirely unsubstantiated. In their statement, they reassured the public that no new policies have been implemented, clarifying the facts to dispel the confusion:

“All labour-related decisions are announced through formal channels. We advise everyone to disregard and avoid spreading baseless information.”

The Ministry stressed the importance of verifying news through official sources, such as the MoL website and its verified social media accounts, rather than relying on unverified posts.

What Are Oman’s Actual Retirement Regulations?

Oman’s existing retirement policies remain intact, as outlined by the Ministry of Labour. The rules differ slightly between public and private sectors:

Public Sector Regulations

• Employees can retire after 30 years of service or upon reaching the official retirement age, which typically lies between 60 and 65 years, depending on job category and pension authority.

Private Sector Guidelines

• The retirement framework in the private sector is generally dictated by contractual agreements and the Social Protection Fund regulations, facilitating retirement around age 60, unless mutually agreed otherwise.

The Ministry confirmed that these longstanding regulations remain effective and that any future changes would be officially communicated, not leaked through social media.

Combating Misinformation

To address the spread of misinformation, the Ministry of Labour urged citizens and residents to rely solely on verified sources for updates on employment information and government policies:

“We encourage everyone to verify information directly with the Ministry’s official channels before sharing or acting upon it.”

The call to action highlights the potential risks of spreading rumors, including unnecessary confusion and panic.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has taken the necessary steps to quell the anxiety surrounding the false 30-year retirement rule. Understanding the importance of accurate information, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, prioritizing reliable sources over social media speculation. By doing so, the public can avoid the pitfalls of misinformation and remain assured of their employment rights.

For further updates, always check the Ministry of Labour’s official website and their verified social media platforms.