Oman: Issues Royal Decrees to Reform Penal Code and Tenant Laws

The Arabian Stories, 7 January 2025: Oman has issued two Royal Decrees yesterday, introducing significant amendments to key legal frameworks.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 11/2025 amending some provisions of the Penal Code.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 12/2025 amending some provisions of Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/1989 regulating the relationship between owners and tenants of residential, commercial and industrial premises and registering their lease contracts.

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Oman: New Penal Code Amendments Bring Flexibility to Court Sentencing

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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Oman: Labour Ministry Launches National Framework to Boost Workforce Efficiency

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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Oman: New Wage Protection and Workforce Transfer Regulations

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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Oman: Issues New Ship and Port Security Regulations

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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Oman: Issues New Ship and Port Security Regulations

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

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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