Basic labour rights of OFW in Oman

Security of Tenure 

• Employee may not be appointed under probation for a period which exceeds 3 months for those who receive their salaries monthly, and 1 month for those who receive their salaries otherwise. 
• Any party may terminate the contract during the probationary period by giving the other party at least a 7 day notice.
• The courts in Oman have been very strict against unfair terminations, and have laid down that in the absence of sufficient reason of termination, such termination may be deemed arbitrary, and have in many cases, awarded compensation equal to a minimum of 3 month’s gross salary up to an unlimited amount, depending on various factors, in addition to any other entitlements otherwise owing to the employee as per their contract or law.

Hours of Work

• Not more than 9 hours a day and for a maximum of 48-hour work week 
• Maximum of 6 hours a day or 36-hour work week during Ramadan.
• There shall be one or more periods during working hours for taking food and rest, the total of which shall not be less than half an hour provided that the continuous period of work shall not exceed 6 hours. 

Weekly Rest Day

• An employer must grant the employee not less than 24 consecutive hours of rest per week after at most 6 continuous working days. 

Wage and Wage Related Benefits

• Minimum salary shall be determined by a decision to be issued by the Minister.
• Overtime pay: 25% of basic wage
• Overtime pay (6pm to 6am): 50% of basic wage
• Work on rest day/holiday: substitute rest day or basic wage + not less than 25%
• End of service Gratuity

Payments of Wages

• Paid in Omani riyal, at the place of work (or through bank transfer)
• Paid at least once a month, except daily wage earners (paid once every 2 weeks)
• Employee shall not be compelled, to buy either foodstuff or commodities from certain stores or the employer’s products.

Employment of Women

• No night work (6pm to 6am)
• Maternity leave with full pay: 6 weeks (must be in the service for a year)

Leave Entitlement

• 30 days a year
• Oman national holidays
• Emergency leave: 4 days
• Sick leave with full pay: first and second week
• Sick leave with ¾ pay: third and fourth week
• Sick leave with half pay: fifth and sixth week
• Sick leave with quarter pay: seventh to tenth week
• Pilgrimage leave: 15 days (once only)

Ministry of Labour Contacts

Ministry Of Labour Oman
Call Center: 80077000
Tel: +96824766121; +96824344398
Fax: +96824344320
Working Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm