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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2025 Edition
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your essential update on the latest employment law and HR developments across the GCC and wider MENA region.
This month, we examine the far-reaching implications of Oman’s new personal income tax and what it means for employers. We also explore emerging regional trends such as pay transparency, new immigration and visa frameworks, and recent legal reforms affecting workplace compliance.
Stay informed, compliant, and connected with the developments shaping the future of HR in the region.
Happy reading!
This edition features a diverse range of content, including:
FEATURE: INCOME TAX: EMPLOYER ANGLE
Asrujit Mandal of BDO examines how Oman’s introduction of the GCC’s first personal income tax will affect employers, from payroll adjustments to compliance obligations.
TREND SETTER: PAY TRANSPARENCY
Ibrahim Mohamed of HAS Law Firm explores how international pay transparency trends, driven by recent US and EU legislation, could influence HR policies and legal frameworks across the GCC.
NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE
A summary of the latest HR and employment law updates, including Oman’s new mandatory professional licensing requirements and other regional regulatory changes.
IMMIGRATION FOCUS: WORK PRMIT CLASSIFICATION
Ali Ibrahim of Vialto Partners breaks down Ministerial Decision No. 4602/1447, which introduces a new skill-based structure for Saudi work permits and its implications for employers.
LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS
A round-up of key legislative updates, including Bahrain’s new first aid law explained by Sama Ghareeb of Zu’bi & Partners, following Ministerial Decision No. 16/2025.
CASE FOCUS
Reem Elkordi of HAS Law Firm highlights a recent Dubai case addressing payment rights for suspended employees and its significance for HR and legal compliance.
MOVES AND CHANGES
A regional overview of the latest executive movements, leadership appointments, and HR leadership changes across key industries.
Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.
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Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.
HR PROFILE: THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE
Ida Mozayani, Vice President of Talent & Operations, Bain Middle East discusses her approach to scaling Bain’s regional operations while maintaining a strong, consistent organisational culture.
IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE
Mary Rintu Raju, NYK Law Firm looks at the UAE legal position where an employee works overseas on secondment or on a cross-border project.
POLICY POINTERS: COMMISSION
Sarah Khasawneh from Pinsent Masons along with Emma Noble & Jennifer Green shares guidance on managing commission structures effectively and ensuring compliance with regional employment laws.
