Oman Eases Part-Time Job Regulations for Students: Implications for Businesses and Workforce Development
Muscat: The Ministry of Labor has issued decision 13/2025 concerning the employment of minors and the specific jobs and professions permissible for their engagement.
Part-time work is defined as employment with hours that are fewer than those established for full-time workers in the same establishment or those set by law. Employers may hire minors under certain conditions, including that the employment is restricted to Omani nationals. Minors must work a minimum of four hours per day, with a maximum of 25 hours per week.
Eligible workers for part-time positions must be Omani students, job seekers, or retirees. Employment for minors will follow the stipulations outlined in the Labor Law and the Juvenile Employment System.
The minimum hourly wage for part-time workers is set at RO3, although lower wages may be negotiated. Employers are responsible for several obligations when hiring part-time workers, including:
- Defining job tasks and providing necessary training.
- Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
- Paying wages according to Article 90 of the Labor Law.
- Registering the worker with the Social Security Fund and covering the required contributions.
For student part-time employment, specific conditions apply:
- Students must be enrolled in either public or private schools and should be no younger than 15 years old.
- Written consent from the student’s guardian is required, using a form provided by the Ministry.
- Students must be registered in educational institutions, and their part-time work should not affect any financial assistance received from these institutions.
- Approval from the school or higher education institution for part-time work is not required, and students will receive a work experience certificate upon completion of their employment.
Part-time employment contracts must be documented in writing, detailing working hours, days, wages, and payment methods.
According to the earlier ministerial decision 115/2021, students’ employment is restricted to the mid-year and end-of-year school vacations, and they may only work in 73 specific professions as outlined in Ministerial Resolution 217/2016.
Employers are required to submit the contract for the part-time worker to the relevant administrative division within the Ministry upon concluding the agreement. Furthermore, either party may terminate the contract with written notice at least three business days prior to the desired termination date.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent Labor Ministry decision on minor employment paves the way for increased workforce participation among youth, enabling businesses to tap into affordable labor while also enhancing their corporate social responsibility strategies. However, with stipulations on training and contractual obligations, employers must be vigilant about compliance to mitigate potential legal risks. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider leveraging these youth employment opportunities to drive innovation and engagement within their organizations while ensuring adherence to new regulations.
