Understanding Oman’s Labor Laws: A Guide for Employers

1. Employment Contracts

In Oman, all employees are required to have a written employment contract, which should include details such as the job title, salary, working hours, and the duration of the contract. The contract must be in Arabic, and both the employer and the employee must sign it.

2. Working Hours

The maximum working hours in Oman are eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. Employees are entitled to a weekly rest day, which is usually Friday, and they must be given at least a 30-minute break for every five hours of work.

3. Overtime

If an employee is required to work beyond their normal working hours, they are entitled to overtime pay. The overtime rate is 1.25 times the normal hourly rate for the first two hours and 1.5 times the normal hourly rate for any additional hours.

4. Annual Leave

Employees in Oman are entitled to 30 days of annual leave after one year of service. If an employee has worked for less than one year, they are entitled to two days of annual leave for every month worked.

5. End of Service Benefits

When an employee’s contract comes to an end, they are entitled to end-of-service benefits, which are calculated based on the length of their service and their final salary. The benefits include one month’s salary for every year of service, as well as any unused annual leave.

6. Termination

In Oman, both employers and employees have the right to terminate an employment contract. However, there are certain rules that must be followed, such as providing notice and paying any outstanding salaries or benefits.