Sunday 11 / January / 2026
Oman’s Labour Law, promulgated by Royal Decree 53/2023, establishes a comprehensive framework governing the employment relationship, setting out both the rights and obligations of workers in order to promote safe and productive workplaces.
Speaking to the Times of Oman, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, explained that “the Labour Law provides for the protection of workers’ rights while also clearly defining the legal duties that workers are required to observe, which are essential for maintaining workplace discipline and safety.”
He stated that “among the most important obligations imposed on workers is compliance with occupational safety and health instructions. The law requires employees to use protective equipment, follow safety procedures, attend training sessions, and operate machinery correctly. Any act that compromises safety, such as ignoring instructions or misusing equipment, may expose the worker to disciplinary measures.”
Dr. Mohammed added that “workers are also required to comply with lawful and reasonable instructions issued by their employer or supervisors, provided that such instructions do not endanger the worker or violate the law or professional ethics.”
“The law obliges workers to exercise due care in preserving tools, machinery, and materials belonging to the employer, as well as maintaining the confidentiality of work-related information. Intentional damage or unauthorised disclosure may lead to financial liability or legal action,” he said.
He further noted that “attendance and integrity are fundamental duties under the Labour Law. Prolonged unjustified absence, submitting forged documents to obtain employment, or accepting bribes or unauthorised benefits constitute serious violations that may justify termination.”
He concluded by stating that “the Labour Law adopts a balanced approach by defining responsibilities alongside rights. By holding workers accountable while preventing employer abuse, the law reinforces workplace fairness, safety, and productivity, ensuring that legal protection remains a shared responsibility rather than a one-sided entitlement.”
(Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established on 14th December 2006 and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).
