New Remote Work Regulations in Oman: Key Impacts for Investors and Business Owners
Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has issued a new ministerial decision governing remote work in Oman, in accordance with the Labour Law under Royal Decree No. 2023/53. This regulation, introduced in the public interest, establishes clear guidelines for both employers and employees engaged in remote work arrangements within the Sultanate.
The decision permits remote work to be conducted either partially or fully, provided that employees perform their duties using information and communication technology (ICT) tools within Oman. Importantly, the regulation prohibits contracting remote work outside the Sultanate. Organizations adopting this system must maintain official records of remote workers, supply the necessary ICT tools, and implement electronic systems to supervise and monitor performance, all while safeguarding worker privacy.
The rules emphasize that establishments must not misuse personal data or monitoring systems beyond legitimate work purposes. Employees are required to perform their duties personally during agreed working hours, protect the confidentiality of work-related information, and return ICT equipment when requested. They must also promptly report any technical issues that could affect their work.
The regulation grants employees the right to disconnect from an employer’s system if it violates their privacy. Workers may request partial remote work, although employers have the discretion to approve or deny such requests based on operational needs. For full remote work arrangements, written contracts are mandatory, specifying job conditions, remuneration, ICT responsibilities, working hours, and performance monitoring methods.
Employers retain the authority to require employees to resume on-site work if information security is compromised, company policies are violated, or agreed working hours are not adhered to. The regulation reaffirms that remote workers enjoy the same rights and obligations as those outlined in the Labour Law and its implementing regulations.
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Oman’s new remote work regulation creates a structured framework that balances flexibility with accountability, ensuring businesses can leverage ICT for productivity while safeguarding data privacy and operational integrity. For entrepreneurs and investors, this presents a significant opportunity to develop remote work solutions and digital infrastructure within Oman, yet also demands careful compliance with local data and employment laws to mitigate risks. Smart stakeholders should now prioritize adapting HR policies and investing in secure, transparent digital monitoring tools to thrive in the evolving labor landscape.
