New regulations for remote work in the private sector

At a glance

• New regulations for remote work in the private sector have been introduced.
• The regulations apply to both partial and full remote working arrangements.
• Employers must maintain a register of remote workers and supply necessary IT equipment.
• Electronic monitoring systems for performance tracking required.

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has unveiled comprehensive regulations governing remote work arrangements in the private sector, establishing the country's first formal framework for flexible working practices. Under the new ministerial decision, employers must now follow specific guidelines when implementing remote work schemes. 

The regulations apply to both partial and full remote working arrangements, though notably it prohibits remote contracts with workers based outside Oman. The decision mandates that employers must: 

• Maintain an official register of remote workers.
• Supply necessary IT equipment and software.
• Implement electronic monitoring systems for performance tracking.
• Cover installation and maintenance costs of work-related technology. 

In exchange of that, remote employees are expected to:

• Personally perform their duties during agreed working hours.
• Use designated tools and software provided by the employer.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related information and systems.
• Delivery work as agreed and report any technical issues that may hinder performance.

In cases of policy violations, security risks, or failure to meet contractual obligations, the regulation empowers employers to revert employees to on-site work.

To protect workers' rights, the legislation explicitly forbids surveillance systems that infringe on employee privacy or misuse personal data. Workers are granted the right to disconnect from company systems if such violations occur. The regulations specify that full remote working contracts must be written agreements detailing employment terms, including working hours, remuneration, and technological requirements. For partial remote working arrangements, employees may submit requests which employers can approve, or decline based on operational needs. Employers retain the right to recall partially remote workers to on-site work under specific circumstances, including information security breaches or failure to maintain agreed working hours.