Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has issued a new ministerial decision regulating remote work in Oman, pursuant to the Labour Law under Royal Decree No. 2023/53. The regulation, announced in consideration of the public interest, sets out clear provisions for both employers and employees engaging in remote work arrangements within the Sultanate.
According to the decision, remote work can be carried out either partially or fully, provided that employees perform their duties using information and communication technology (ICT) tools within Oman. The regulation strictly prohibits contracting remote work outside the Sultanate. Establishments implementing the system must prepare official lists of remote workers, supply necessary ICT tools, and provide electronic systems for supervision and performance monitoring, while ensuring that workers’ privacy is not violated.
The rules also require establishments to avoid misusing personal data or monitoring systems beyond work purposes. Workers, in turn, must comply by personally performing their duties during agreed working hours, maintaining confidentiality of work-related data, and returning ICT tools when requested. They are also required to immediately report any technical difficulties that may hinder their performance.
The decision further allows employees to disconnect from an employer’s system if it infringes on their privacy. Workers may also request partial remote work, though employers retain the right to approve or reject such requests based on work requirements. For full remote work, contracts must be in writing, outlining details such as job conditions, remuneration, ICT responsibilities, working hours, and performance monitoring mechanisms.
Employers can require employees to return to on-site work if information security is threatened, company policies are breached, or agreed working hours are not met. The regulations reaffirm that employees working remotely enjoy the same rights and obligations as stipulated under the Labour Law and its implementing decisions.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
