Tanzanian domestic workers in Muscat, Oman, are reportedly facing serious abuse and exploitation under the country’s Kafala sponsorship system, according to recent reports.The system ties migrant workers to their employers, giving sponsors strong control over workers’ legal status, movement, and employment conditions.Human rights advocates say this arrangement has contributed to widespread mistreatment of domestic workers, particularly women from Tanzania.Many workers describe harsh conditions including extremely long working hours, sometimes reaching up to 18 hours per day without rest days.Reports also include physical abuse such as beatings, burns, and verbal harassment.In some cases, workers are allegedly denied food or locked inside homes, preventing them from seeking help or medical assistance.

Another major issue raised is wage theft, where workers go months without pay or have their passports confiscated upon arrival, leaving them trapped in abusive households.

The recruitment process has also been criticised, with claims that some Tanzanian women are misled by recruitment agencies about salaries and working conditions before travelling to Oman.Once abroad, they often lack proper support systems, legal awareness, or access to emergency assistance.

The Tanzanian government and embassy in Muscat have faced challenges in responding effectively due to limited resources and the growing number of affected workers.

While Oman has introduced some labour reforms, domestic workers are still largely excluded from key labour protections such as regulated working hours and minimum wage laws.

Human rights organisations are calling for urgent reforms, including the abolition of the Kafala system and stronger protections for migrant domestic workers.The situation highlights ongoing concerns about migrant labour rights across Gulf countries.