New Labour Law procedures in Oman

At a glance

• New procedures and controls have been created for managing private sector establishments that violate the Labour Law.
• Law Enforcement Officers will identify and document violations, and carry identification cards to prove their authority.
• Detailed records of violations will be drafted, including date, time, place, type of violation, and signatures.
• Proven violations may result in service suspensions, such as work permit issuance and renewal, until resolved and fines are paid.

In accordance with the Labour Law the following updates have been implemented which came into effect on 12 August 2024 after being published in the official gazette on 11 August 2024:

New Procedures and Controls

A recent Oman Ministerial decision has established new procedures and controls for managing private sector establishments that violate the Labour Law and its implementing decisions:

• Law Enforcement Officers will identify and document any violations by employers and workers against the Labour Law and its implementing decisions.
• Officers with law enforcement capacity must carry identification cards proving their authority and present them when performing their duties.
• Violation Records: When a violation is detected, officers will be required to create a draft which documents:
  • the date, time, place, and type of violation;
  • the name and signature of the officer drafting the record;
  • the name and role of the person against whom procedures are taken (owner or worker); and
  • a signature of the establishment owner or worker present during the incident, with a copy provided. If they refuse to sign or accept a copy, this will be noted in the record.
• Memorandum Preparation: Officers will prepare a memorandum detailing the violation and submit it to the Director of the Competent Department or their delegate.
• Service Suspension: If a violation is proven, the Director or their representative may suspend services to the establishment, including:
  • issuance of work permits for non-Omani workers;
  • renewal of work permits for violating workers;
  • amendment of data for offending workers;
  • registration of data for offending workers;
  • transfer of services for offending workers;
  • registration of work leave notices for offending workers; and
  • cancellation of work leave notices for offending workers.
• Lifting Suspensions: Service suspensions will be lifted once the violation is resolved and any fines are paid, as decided by the Director or their representative.