Oman limits daily working hours to eight under Labour Law 2023

MUSCAT: Oman’s Labour Law, introduced under Royal Decree No. 53/2023, establishes limits on working hours and outlines procedures for resolving workplace disputes to protect employees’ rights and promote fair working conditions.

Under Article 70, employees cannot be required to work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. The law also provides for a one-hour break for rest and meals, while employees must not work more than six consecutive hours without a break.

During Ramadan, Muslim employees’ working hours are limited to six hours a day or 30 hours a week.

Employers are also required to display working hours and weekly rest days in a clearly visible place at the workplace. The requirement aims to improve transparency and help authorities monitor compliance with labour regulations.

The law also establishes a formal mechanism for addressing disputes between employers and employees.

Under Article 8, establishments with 50 or more workers must maintain an approved internal complaints system, allowing employees to raise grievances directly or through a representative before pursuing further legal action.

If a dispute cannot be resolved internally, it must be referred to the relevant department of the Ministry of Labour for an amicable settlement before court proceedings can begin. Article 9 requires the concerned authority to attempt reconciliation within a maximum of 30 days.