The Labour Law Oman assures compliance with the duties and rights of workers, as well as employers. Besides, the Ministry of Labor (MOM) is the body in charge of applying said law and other rules. Also, each of these norms and rules seeks to have a top-level country in terms of Human Resources.
In this article, we detail various aspects of the law governing labor relations and the details of the Ministry of Labor. Likewise, you will learn about some factors that govern the employment of foreign and local workers. Let us see:
- General view of the Ministry of Labor of Oman
- The regulations of the labour law Oman
- We can provide you with all the data you need about labor laws in Oman
1. General view of the Ministry of Labor of Oman
Ministry of Manpower Oman (MOM) was created by royal decree № 108 of 2001 issued on 20/ Sha`ban 1422 AH. Thus, this ministry establishes and implements labor policies aligned with both economic and social goals in the country. Also, the powers of this Ministry are as described below:
- Establish the labour law Oman and other systems regulating the labor market and the vocational training sector. In the same way, it establishes and implements the essential rules for the defense of a diverse labor force. Also, it helps empower and develop the skills of the workers.
- Build an information system for the labor market and involve all workers in the country. Thus, it seeks to develop the Human Resources of Oman so that they can be used optimally.
- Manage aspects related to the Oman labor law and other regulations, with the authorities.
- Analyze the requirements of the private sector for expats and set up the necessary rules along with the relevant licenses.
- Agreeing with the demands of the labor market, provide, develop, and expand professional and technical training.
- Develop learning plans for training along with the criteria and professional levels approved in the country. Also, award degrees and encourage job training, as well as make sure graduates benefit from job chances.
- Collaborate with the efforts of the country so that vocational guidance programs are achieved. Hence, it seeks to make citizens aware of the value of work and individual initiative in Oman.
- Manage local labor employment programs, as well as assess performance with the right agencies.
- Development and application of new work methods, improvement of worker performance, and the development of HR.
- Represent Oman at local, regional, and international conferences, seminars, and meetings on the workforce and its training.
1.1 Vision and objectives of the Ministry of Manpower Oman
The MOM through labour law Oman has a very clear vision, goals, and objectives. Thus, its vision is a regulated and stable market, with a labor force with the highest skills. Thus, it seeks that the high level of employees and companies contribute to the local economy.
Likewise, it hopes that all sectors, together with the authorities and the labor force, will contribute to improving relations between all of them. Also, it hopes to achieve this through systems, laws, and complete services, with clearness and flexibility.
1.2 Services offered by this ministry
The ministry offers various general services for companies, employees, and applicants to ease procedures and paperwork. Afterward, you will be able to see a list with the complete services according to each category:
1.2.1 Employee Services
- Accept/reject an occupation change for Omani Manpower – Employee.
- Exit Form for Non-Omani Labor – Citizen.
- Employment.
- Consult Employee by Labor Card number.
- Modifying Non-Omani Labor Details: Citizens.
- Payment of Fines and Fees for individuals.
- Private work permit.
- Private office service – citizens.
- National Labor Registry.
- Letter request to whom it may concern.
- Issuance of salary certificate.
- Filing Labor Complaints.
- Filing Wage-Related Complaints.
- Attrition Ticket Refund Request Report.
- Vocational training of Omani citizens.
- Query work permit status.
1.2.2 Services for companies
- Exit form for non-Omani labor – companies.
- Details about employees from Oman.
- Details of salaries of non-Omani employees.
- Justify wage violations.
- Change in occupation for Omani Manpower – companies.
- Modification of non-Omani labor details – companies.
- Omanization percentage query.
- Payment of Fees and Fines – Employers.
- Register a new vacancy online.
- Authorized Representative Registration.
- Labor search by qualification and region.
- Send work authorization service – companies.
- Termination and Retirements of the National Workforce.
- See labor details (non-Omani).
1.2.3 Services for applicants
- Activate jobseeker status.
- Apply for advertised jobs.
- Check Job Applicant Status (Recommendation Letter).
- Create resume.
- Show candidacy requests.
- Recruitment services for nationals.
- Search and apply for the vacancy.
1.2.4 Requests
- Check the Labor Cards issued for a Work Permit.
- Business work permit.
- Obtain a permit to hire foreign labor.
- Find out about expatriate employees for each Work Permit.
- Find out about the final status of all Work Permits.
- Consultation on the status of new Work Permits.
- Labor Card Renewal for Non-Omani Labor Citizens.
- Renewal of labor cards for labor companies outside of Oman.
- Registration and update of ID card status for non-Omani workers.
1.2.5 General services
- Accreditations.
- Request Vacancy.
- Employment contract Oman.
- Fines for Labor Violations.
- Ban status.
- Hotline services.
- List of all expatriate employees.
- Detail of labor according to occupation.
- Detail of labor by sector.
- MOM website user account.
- Work-related training public and private organizations.
- Record.
- Special Treatment Service.
- Vehicle Inquiry.
2. The regulations of the labour law Oman
The Labor Law governs work in Oman and was issued by the authorities through Decree Sultani 35/2003. However, some ministerial decisions have changed some features of this list. In addition, the Civil Transactions Law applied with Sultani Decree 29/2013 also regulates employment in the country.
Also, the new Oman labour law sets employment relations in the private sector but not domestic workers. Besides, it governs the next labor aspects in the nation:
- Employment contracts.
- Salaries.
- Overtime pay.
- Licenses.
- Work hours.
- Industrial Security.
- Labor disputes.
- Employment of Omani citizens and foreigners.
2.1 Exemptions from the labour law Oman
As with the Oman Labour Law 2021, the new one does not apply to certain workers and persons. In this case, it does not apply to:
- Participants of the armed forces and public security organizations.
- Employees of the public administration and government entities.
- Family members of sponsored workers or their dependents.
- Domestic employees who work inside or outside a house.
The Ministry of Manpower Oman is in charge of establishing and enforcing the rules and conditions for said categories. Besides, the employer may give benefits for these workers, although they must be more beneficial than those of the law. However, if the conditions oppose the law, those that best benefit the employee applies.
In the same way, expats are under the Expatriate Residency Law issued by Sultani Decree 16/1995. Also, by the rules approved by the Royal Oman Police, about work visas and residence permits.
2.2 Some relevant data of the labour law Oman
Oman labor law requires employers to establish a written work contract, in a standard format. Also, if the paper is written in a language other than Arabic, it must have a translation attached. Likewise, these contracts must clearly define the employment relationship between the parties, by establishing the rights and obligations of each one.
At the same time, it must contain some mandatory aspects for this type of contract, according to the established. In this case, it is common for employers to use the format set by the Ministry of Manpower. However, this is more common for Omani workers, as for expatriates they use a more detailed contract.
2.2.1 Recruitment of employees
In the local labor market, employment priority goes to Omani citizens, although an employer may hire foreign nationals. However, to do so, you need legal approval from the Ministry of Labour, including work permits and visas. Also, private sector companies must comply with the Omanization goals.
2.2.2 Minimum wage, working hours, rest, and vacations
In Oman, the minimum wage for local workers is RO 325. Likewise, as for the working day, this is 9 hours per day for a total of 45 hours per week. Also, employees are entitled to half an hour of rest each day and 2 days of rest each week.
However, during Ramadan, the working day decreases to 6 hours a day. Besides, workers are entitled, among others, to the next benefits:
- Annual leave. Under Labor Law Oman, employees are entitled to 30 days of vacation paid with gross salary.
- Maternity leave. Female workers are entitled to receive 6 months of leave with full pay. Also, the employer cannot fire the employee or send a notice during pregnancy or leave.
- Sick leave. In this case, employees may receive up to 2 weeks of sick leave with full pay.
2.2.3 Termination
Employers have the right to fire a worker without notice if they engage in misconduct. Yet, if a company wants to fire an Omani employee, it must notify the Ministry of Labor at least 3 months in advance. On the other hand, the employer can fire a worker but must provide an end-of-service bonus or the Pension Fund.
2.2.4 Other regulations
Under no conditions should the employer discriminate against workers concerning:
- The amount of wages or salary.
- Employment.
- Promotion.
- Professional qualifications.
- Outfit.
Also, employers must provide workers with the features for protection against work-related hazards. Likewise, they must offer proper means against work-related diseases.
3. We can provide you with all the data you need about labor laws in Oman
Labour law Oman protects both the rights of workers and employers to fortify the labor market. In this case, allows the country to create a strong labor force, by seeking the growth of local skills. In addition, the country, through various laws, seeks to improve Human Resources services and their correct use.
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