Understanding Labour Law Benefits for Muslim Employees: Key Insights for Businesses Planning Hajj in Oman
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has updated its Labour Law through Royal Decree 53/2023, introducing significant provisions to assist Muslim employees wishing to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the new regulations, Muslim employees who have completed at least one year of continuous service with their employer are entitled to a one-time paid leave of up to 15 days for this purpose.
The law specifies that "Muslim employees shall be granted special leave to perform Hajj once during their period of service, after completing one continuous year of employment." This leave will be compensated with full pay, capped at a maximum of 15 days.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The new provisions in Oman’s Labour Law to grant 15 days of paid leave for Hajj signify a progressive shift towards enhancing employee welfare, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. This change presents opportunities for businesses to attract and retain talent by demonstrating social responsibility, but also poses a potential operational risk during peak pilgrimage seasons. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider adjusting workforce planning to accommodate these changes, leveraging this policy to build a positive reputation and align corporate values with community needs.
