Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has announced that employees whose work permits are renewed without registering active employment contracts will have the right to transfer their services automatically 30 days after the renewal date.
The decision makes it mandatory for employers to e-register the work contracts of all employees.
The new Labour Law, issued in July, emphasises the importance of formal employment contracts, the obligations of both employer and worker, and the conditions for termination.
According to Article 33, a work contract must be in writing, prepared in Arabic, and issued in two copies — one for each party. Contracts must be approved by the competent authority, and workers’ rights can be proven by all means of evidence.
Article 34 states that contracts may be for a fixed or indefinite term. Fixed-term contracts must not exceed five years but can be renewed by agreement. Renewals count toward the total length of service.
Each contract must include:
- Employer and workplace details.
- Worker’s personal information and nationality.
- Job type, conditions, and duration (if fixed-term).
- Basic wage, bonuses, allowances and payment schedule.
- Notice period for non-renewal — at least one month if initiated by the employer.
- Commitment to respect Oman’s laws, customs and security.
Under Article 37, the probationary period must be stated in the contract — up to three months for monthly-paid workers and two months for others. A worker cannot be placed on probation more than once with the same employer. Either party may end the contract during probation with at least seven days’ notice.
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