Saturday 04 / April / 2026
Under Royal Decree 53/2023, Oman’s Labour Law establishes a clear, step by step procedure for workplace complaints that begins inside the establishment and ends with enforceable court remedies.
Speaking to Times of Oman, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, explains that “every employer with 50 or more workers must have an approved complaints and grievances system, and the worker must receive a copy.
Employers with 25 or more workers must also establish a Ministry approved penalties regulation governing disciplinary violations.
No disciplinary penalty may be imposed without prior written notice, hearing the worker’s statements, investigating his defence, and recording the process."
"Disciplinary action is time bound, no accountability arises after 30 days from discovery of the violation and no penalty may be imposed after 60 days from the violation being proven. Monetary penalties and suspension without pay are limited to a maximum of 5 days wage in a month.”
Dr. Mohammed stated that “if internal resolution fails, the worker may submit a settlement application to the Ministry of Labour.
No claim will be admitted before the court unless this step is completed.
The Ministry has 30 days to attempt amicable settlement. If successful, the signed report becomes an enforcement document. If not, the Ministry refers the dispute to court within 7 days of the last settlement session with the full file.”
“A dismissed worker may, within 30 days of being notified of their dismissal, file a complaint with the competent entity.
If the court finds the dismissal arbitrary, including cases such as discrimination or retaliation for filing a complaint, it may order reinstatement or compensation of 3 to 12 months gross wage, in addition to end of service gratuity, notice period wages, and insurance
contributions,” Dr. Mohammed noted.
“Deductions for alleged damage cannot exceed 25 percent of the monthly wage, and the worker may file a complaint against the assessment of the employer with the competent authority within 30 days from the date of the worker’s knowledge of the deduction.
Violations of legal provisions, including those related to grievance procedures, may result in fines ranging from OMR500 to OMR1,000 per affected worker, doubled in case of repeat offences.
The procedure gives workers a real chance to be heard and holds employers accountable through clear rules and strict deadlines,” Dr. Mohammed concluded.
(Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm (info@mohammedibrahim.net), (+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).
