MUSCAT: Oman’s Labour Law, issued under Royal Decree No. 53/2023, sets clear limits on working hours to safeguard employees’ health and well-being and promote workplace efficiency.
According to Article 70 of the law, employers cannot require employees to work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. The law also provides for a one-hour break during the working day for rest and meals.
Employees must not be required to work for more than six consecutive hours without a break, according to the provisions outlined in the report.
Special provisions apply during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslim employees are entitled to reduced working hours, limited to a maximum of six hours a day or 30 hours a week.
The law also urged transparency in workplace schedules. Employers are required to display working hours and weekly rest days in a clearly visible location within the workplace.
Read more: Oman Labour Laws 2023: Complete guide for workplace dispute resolutions
The requirement is intended to ensure employees are informed about their work schedules and enable the relevant authorities to monitor compliance.
Under Oman Labour Law Royal Decree No. 53/2023, a structured and phased mechanism has been established for resolving disputes between workers and employers, aimed at ensuring justice, transparency, and timely resolution.
At the first stage, an internal grievance redressal system is mandatory at the institutional level. Under Article 8, establishments employing 50 or more workers are required to maintain a formal and approved complaints mechanism.
Through this system, employees may submit complaints directly or through a representative, allowing disputes to be addressed internally before legal proceedings become necessary.
If a matter cannot be resolved within the institution, the process moves to the administrative and judicial stage. Article 9 states that no labour case may be taken directly to court unless it has first been referred to the relevant department of the ministry for amicable settlement.
The concerned authority is required to attempt reconciliation within a maximum period of 30 days.