The launch took place under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, and was attended by several officials from the Ministry of Labour and Oman Human Rights Commission.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Rashid bin Hamad Al-Balushi, Chair of the Commission, emphasized that this guide addresses a real need among both employers and employees to better understand their rights and responsibilities under the Omani Labour law. The guide aims to raise legal awareness, encourage the resolution of disputes through lawful means, and promote a fair and respectful work environment.
The guide offers a clear and accessible explanation of key worker rights in the private sector.
These include the right to a written employment contract, the worker’s right to retain a copy of that contract, and the prohibition against employers keeping workers’ passports or personal documents without written consent. It also stresses the absolute ban on forced labour, the importance of equal treatment regardless of gender, language, religion, color, or social status, and the right of workers to file complaints and grievances through official channels.
Additional topics covered include regulations on working hours, annual and sick leave, weekly rest days, overtime, and end-of-service benefits such as final payments, service certificates, and entitlements. The guide also underscores the employer’s responsibility to safeguard workers’ health and safety through access to first aid, medical care, adequate housing, transportation, and meals in applicable work settings.
To ensure the guide reaches the widest possible audience of migrant and resident workers, it has been published in six major languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, and Filipino. This initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to overcoming language barriers and making legal information accessible to all.
This publication further strengthens Oman’s positive track record in the field of human rights and reaffirms its commitment to international human rights standards. It also reflects the Country’s dedication to building a just, equitable, and dignified work environment that supports both economic and social development.
