Thursday 01 / May / 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has announced Ministerial Resolution No. 451/2024, introducing new guidelines for reconciliation and suspending lawsuit procedures related to labour law violations.
The resolution outlines the following key points:
Article 1 specifies that the newly attached rules apply to reconciliation processes and halting of legal actions for offences under the Labour Law. It also allows for reconciliation in labour law violations upon the violator’s request, contingent on paying a fine equaling 25% of the maximum penalty for the crime. The violator must settle this fine within 15 days of reconciliation approval; otherwise, the reconciliation will be void.
Article 2 mandates that reconciliation requests be submitted using a designated form. A decision is required within 15 days of submission. Failure to respond within this period will result in the request being rejected.
Article 3 outlines an exception for crimes with a double fine under Clause 1 of Article 143 of the Labour Law, where reconciliation is only approved if the violator pays a fine of OMR 1,000.
Article 4 states that expatriate workers who reach reconciliation must be deported and barred from re-entering Oman under specific conditions. These include working in Omanised professions without an Omani replacement or entering the country illegally. Employers are responsible for deportation costs.
Article 5 provides that reconciliation for detained individuals must occur within seven working days from the violation recording date, with a possible extension of up to seven additional days at the Ministry's discretion.
Article 6 clarifies that reconciliation does not absolve the violator of liability. They must rectify the violation and meet legal obligations within 30 days of settlement.
Article Two repeals Ministerial Resolution No. 561/2009 and any conflicting provisions.
Article Three states that the resolution will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect the day after publication.
