Oman Archives - Page 6 of 32 - LexisNexis Middle East

Oman: New Penal Code Amendments Bring Flexibility to Court Sentencing

08/01/202508/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 7 January 2025: In a significant move towards judicial reform, a new Royal Decree in Oman has granted courts the power to suspend certain sentences, offering a more nuanced approach to justice.

Under Oman Sultani Decree No. 11/2025, courts can now stop the execution of fines or imprisonment sentences of less than three years, provided the convict’s character, history, age, or the crime’s context suggest a low risk of reoffending.

This progressive measure, however, excludes crimes related to state security, the state’s prestige, or terrorism and its financing.

The decree also permits the suspension of penal effects and additional penalties, except for confiscation, contingent upon the convict having a known place of residence.

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Event

LexisNexis Middle East Partners with SCCA for RIDW 2025

07/01/202507/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

LexisNexis Middle East is set to play a pivotal role as the Legal Media Partner for the upcoming Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025, hosted by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA). Scheduled for February 26, 2025, this landmark event will spotlight the SCCA’s 4th International Conference and Exhibition, known as SCCA25, under the theme “Arbitration and the Law as Pillars of Transformation.”

The conference promises a robust agenda with four dynamic panel discussions covering seven subtopics, delivered by a distinguished lineup of 30 expert speakers. With an anticipated attendance of 1,250 participants from both local and international spheres, the event is poised to be a hub for fostering significant connections and collaborations among professionals committed to the advancement of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

This year’s event is particularly significant as it aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the field of arbitration and law, providing a platform for thought leaders to share insights and strategies. Attendees will have the chance to engage with cutting-edge topics and network with peers who are at the forefront of legal innovation.

This is a unique opportunity for legal professionals to influence the future landscape of arbitration and law. Interested participants are encouraged to register at https://ridw.org/event/scca-4th-international-conference-and-exhibition.

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News developments

Oman: Labour Ministry Launches National Framework to Boost Workforce Efficiency

19/12/202419/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 11 December 2024: Oman’s Labour Ministry has launched the National Framework for Job Competencies and the Human Resources Management Matrix.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the government’s administrative system.

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News developments

Oman: New Wage Protection and Workforce Transfer Regulations

17/12/202417/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Ministry of Labour in Oman issued two ministerial decisions to regulate wage protection and the temporary transfer of non-Omani workers within the private sector.

Analysis

The Ministry of Labour in Oman issued two ministerial decisions to regulate wage protection and the temporary transfer of non-Omani workers within the private sector.

Wage Protection System

The Ministry of Labour in Oman announced a new Wage Protection System (WPS) to electronically monitor the payment of wages in the private sector. The system mandates employers to transfer wages to employees’ bank accounts or financial institutions under the supervision of the Central Bank of Oman, as per the agreed employment contracts and within the legally specified timeframe.

Employers are required to update employment contracts to reflect any changes in wages and must transfer wages through the WPS within three days of the end of the wage period. The Ministry’s relevant department will oversee the implementation and monitoring of the WPS, maintaining a dedicated database.

Exceptions to the WPS include cases of labour disputes where the worker has stopped working for more than 30 days, suspension of the worker for reasons beyond the employer’s control for more than 30 days, and new employees who have not completed 30 days of service.

A committee will review exemption requests not covered by the specified exceptions. Administrative penalties for non-compliance include warnings, suspension of preliminary work permits, and fines of 50 Omani rials per employee, with increased fines for repeated violations. The decision also repealed the previous Oman Ministerial Decision No. 299/2023.

Workforce Transfer Regulations

The Ministry also introduced regulations for the temporary transfer of non-Omani workers between private sector establishments. Key conditions for transfer include not moving workers to nationalised professions, ensuring job compatibility, and obtaining worker consent. Workers must have completed at least six months with the current employer, and the work permit must remain active with more than six months until expiration. Transfers are limited to six months per worker annually, and both establishments must comply with nationalisation quotas and have no service suspensions or financial obligations to the Ministry.

The receiving establishment must not employ the worker beyond the transfer period and must honour all rights and obligations, including maintaining the worker’s previous wage and benefits through the WPS. If a worker leaves the receiving establishment, it must immediately notify the original employer and provide evidence of the departure. The original employer is required to report the worker’s departure following Ministry procedures. The transfer period will count towards the worker’s total service duration, ensuring the protection of their rights and continuity of service calculation.

The decision also stipulates the percentage of transferred workers should not exceed 50% of the total registered workers in either establishment, and the transfer must be officially registered with the Ministry using the approved form. The receiving establishment is responsible for not employing the worker after the transfer period and must bear all rights and obligations during this time, ensuring the worker receives at least the same wage and benefits as in the previous establishment.

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News developments

Oman: Issues New Ship and Port Security Regulations

13/12/202413/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 3 December 2024: The Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Ministry has introduced new regulations for ship and port security, aiming to enhance maritime safety and security in Oman.

Oman Ministerial Decision No. 423/2024 outlines a comprehensive framework based on International Maritime Law and international agreements.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Winter 2024 Edition

09/12/202409/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The latest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax magazine provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving tax landscape in the GCC region. The magazine delves into the OECD’s Pillar Two or Global Anti Base Erosion Rules, highlighting the challenges multinational enterprises face due to varying approaches by different jurisdictions, particularly in the GCC. Bahrain stands out as the first GCC country to enact a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax, with implementation set for January 2025.

The issue also explores the implications of recent changes in VAT treatment for Investment Fund Management Services and provides a round-up of key tax treaty developments and regulatory changes in the region.

Additionally, it discusses potential tax reforms in Oman and Kuwait, and features insights from tax professionals on the rapid pace of legislative changes in the GCC. The magazine concludes with an examination of new details on disputing tax assessments and penalties in the UAE.

FEATURE: PILLAR TWO: WHAT NOW?

Bahrain is the pioneering GCC country to introduce a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax. Shashank Chandak of KPMG analyses the current positions of Bahrain and other GCC nations on Pillar Two.

FEATURE: INVESTMENT APPROACHES

With recent changes to the VAT treatment of Investment Fund Management Services, Markus Susilo of Crowe analyses the general differences in tax treatment for Investment Management Services and investment funds.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up highlights the latest significant changes in tax agreements and regulatory updates throughout the region, offering readers a thorough understanding of the current developments.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: TAX REFORM IN OMAN AND KUWAIT

Rami Alhadhrami, a Tax Partner at BDO Kuwait, and Asrujit Mandal, a Tax Advisor in Oman, discuss the potential tax system reforms in Oman and Kuwait, focusing on changes to income and profit taxation.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

According to Asrujit Mandal, Tax Partner at BDO LLC for Oman and Bahrain, the rapid pace of change in tax legislation poses the greatest challenge for businesses in the GCC.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Tina Hsieh of Baker McKenzie delves into the recent updates from the FTA concerning the procedures for challenging tax assessments and administrative penalties in the UAE.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Winter 2024

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2023

News developments

Oman: Issues New Ship and Port Security Regulations

05/12/202405/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Ministerial Decision No. 423/2024 outlines a comprehensive framework based on International Maritime Law and international agreements.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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News developments

Oman: Transport Ministry Issues Notice to Fishermen To Avoid Shipping Lanes

29/11/202429/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 27 November 2024: The Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Ministry, through the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, has issued a notice to all fishermen.

The notice urges fishermen to refrain from fishing in ferry lanes, shipping lines, and navigation channels in ports.

The directive aims to preserve the safety of maritime navigation and protect property from potential accidents.

The ministry has emphasised that placing fishing nets in these critical areas could lead to serious incidents, including collisions or damage to fishing equipment.

The safety of vessels and crew is paramount, and the ministry has called on fishermen to strictly comply to these instructions to ensure the integrity of marine operations.

The ministry has warned that violating these guidelines could result in legal consequences, urging all concerned parties to cooperate in maintaining a safe and sustainable marine environment.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2024 Edition

27/11/202427/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the latest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax Magazine, offering insightful perspectives on the dynamic tax environment in the GCC region. It highlights the continuous development of tax regimes across the GCC, with recent major changes and a greater emphasis on clarifying details through manuals and guidance documents. This issue covers the impact on the charity sector in the UAE, the increase in queries and complaints leading to new legislation, and the evolution of the Zakat regime in Saudi Arabia with significant changes in calculation, entities subject to Zakat, and treatment of cessation of activities.

Furthermore, the article covers the evolution of the Zakat regime in Saudi Arabia, where the Implementing Regulations on Zakat collection from 2019 have been repealed and replaced by new regulations.

Gulf Tax Magazine remains committed to providing valuable knowledge and expert perspectives to help you navigate the complexities of the GCC tax environment. We hope you find this issue insightful and beneficial for your tax planning and compliance efforts.

FEATURE: SO THAT IS ZAKAT

In this feature, Essam Rajab of Andersen explains key changes to the way Zakat is calculated and administered in Saudi Arabia following the issue of new regulations.

FEATURE: GRAPPLING WITH GRIEVANCES

Zain Satardien and Ellen Ray of Hourani & Partners explain the impact a new Ministerial Decision has brought in changes to the way tax grievances are handled in Oman and other recent alterations to the system will have on those disputing the Tax Authority position there.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up covers recent key developments in tax treaties and regulatory changes across the region, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest updates.

WHAT’S CHANGED?

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has released an updated list of charities in the UAE that are recognised as ‘Designated Charities,’ allowing them to receive VAT relief. To formalise these updates, the UAE government has issued several Cabinet Decisions.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: PUBLIC BENEFIT ENTITIES

Experts David van der Berg, Gargesh Vn, Tapan Gandhi, and Daryn Blake provided useful information regarding tax exemptions for organisations serving the public good in the United Arab Emirates.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Naveen Sharma, a Chartered Accountant who works as Director of Internal Audit at Oasis Investment Company LLC (Al Shirawi Group), explains his work
and the support he has been giving to the wider tax profession in the UAE.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Rami Alhadhrami of BDO Kuwait analyses
Qatar and Kuwait’s delay in implementing
VAT despite the GCC VAT Agreement.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Autumn 2024

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2023

News developments

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: October-November 2024 Edition

27/11/202419/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the October-November 2024 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, providing insights into the changing legal landscape in the MENA regions. This issue focuses on the GCC countries’ efforts to attract foreign investment and diversify their economies away from hydrocarbons. The publication highlights Saudi Arabia’s new Investment Law, which aims to provide confidence to foreign investors by ensuring fair treatment, protecting ownership rights, and facilitating ease of exit. Additionally, it covers efforts to streamline business establishment processes in Saudi Arabia, as well as developments in the UAE, Bahrain, and the modernisation of Abu Dhabi’s judicial system.

Furthermore, the issue delves into other notable legal developments, including UAE virtual asset marketing regulations, changes to the ADGM Real Property Law, Bahrain’s Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax, and insights into dispute resolution and contract watch for Saudi labour contracts. The publication serves as a comprehensive resource for staying updated on the latest legal trends and initiatives in the MENA regions, particularly those aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment for foreign investment.

Stay informed with our meticulously curated content, designed to keep you ahead in the ever-changing legal landscape.

FEATURE: EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY

Bedoor Alrabiah of GLA & Co explains that Saudi Arabia has a new Investment Law designed to create a more attractive investment environment there by better protecting local and foreign investors’ rights and providing them with more opportunities.

FEATURE: ALL CHANGE

Dhana Pillai, a representative from the Dubai Ports and Trade Corporation (DPTC), sheds light on how Abu Dhabi Law No. 6/2024 is designed to bring about a contemporary transformation of the judicial system in the emirate.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: TECHNOLOGY’S REGULATORY IMPACT

Hilal Al Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal, Regulatory & Governance Officer, Ooredoo Group explains how dramatic technological change in
the telecoms sector could lead to a regulatory rethink.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOCUS

Waleed Hamad and Myriam Simon of Al Aidarous explain how a significant Dubai Court of Cassation ruling has clarified the legal framework surrounding the enforceability of foreign summary judgments in the UAE.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

A round-up of the most notable appointments and career progressions within the legal field across the region, highlighting the pivotal shifts reshaping the professional landscape.

CONTRACT WATCH: SAUDI LABOUR CONTRACTS

Jassar Aljohani, along with Sara Khoja and Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co, shed light on the significant amendments to the Saudi Labour Law, which aim to modernise the Saudi labour market, enhance workers’ rights, and streamline employer responsibilities.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_October-November 2024

Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May/June 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_August-September 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July August 2023

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Stay updated on the newest tax and financial news across the region, highlighting Bahrain’s recently introduced Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay informed with our legal round-up, providing a comprehensive overview of recent developments across the region with a spotlight on the UAE’s virtual asset marketing regulations.

LAW MONITOR

Delve into the latest legal advancements in the GCC, encompassing modifications to the ADGM Real Property Law.

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