Oman has introduced working-hour caps through its Labour Law, issued under Royal Decree No. 53/2023. The rules are meant to safeguard staff health and well-being and boost workplace efficiency.
Daily hour caps, breaks and Ramadan limits
Under Article 70, employers may not require employees to work beyond eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. The law also guarantees a one-hour break during the working day for rest and meals. According to the report, staff must not work more than six consecutive hours without a break.
Special rules apply during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslim employees are entitled to reduced hours, capped at six a day or 30 a week.
Posted schedules and official monitoring of compliance
The law also calls for openness about work timetables. Employers must display working hours and weekly rest days in a clearly visible place inside the workplace. The aim is to keep employees informed and allow the relevant authorities to check compliance.
A phased process for resolving labour disputes
Under the same decree, a phased mechanism governs disputes between workers and employers, aimed at justice, transparency and timely resolution. The first stage is an internal grievance system, which is mandatory at institutional level. Under Article 8, establishments with 50 or more workers must maintain a formal, approved complaints mechanism. Employees can file complaints directly or through a representative.
If a matter is not settled within the institution, it moves to the administrative and judicial stage. Article 9 says no labour case may go directly to court unless it has first been referred to the relevant department of the ministry for amicable settlement. The concerned authority must attempt reconciliation within a maximum of 30 days.
