Ministry of Labour Issues Decision on Wage Protection System in Oman
An administrative fine of OMR 50 will be imposed on any employer who violates Ministerial Decision No. 299/2023 on Wage Protection System, the Ministry of Labour said.
Article (2) stipulates that the employer is obligated to transfer workers’ wages to locally licensed banks within seven days of their due date, according to the unified format of the electronic wage protection system file.
Article (3) says that the Wage Protection Section in the Inspection Department shall take the necessary measures regarding the monitoring and application of the electronic wage protection system, and the monitoring of wage disbursement operations in the private sector.
Article (4) stipulates that the employer must update the employment contracts with the Ministry when there is any change in the wages of the workers, provided that those contracts specify the actual wage that the worker receives.
Article (5) says that the employer is excluded from transferring the worker’s wages through the electronic wage protection system in the following cases:
1- The existence of a judicial (labour) dispute between the worker and the employer, which results in the worker stopping work.
2- The worker leaves work voluntarily without a legal justification.
3- New workers who have not completed (30) days from the date of commencing work.
4- Workers who are on unpaid leave.
Article (6) of the ministerial decision stipulates that the ministry may, upon violation of this decision, impose administrative penalties according to the following gradation:
1- A warning.
2- Suspension of the initial work permit granting service.
3- An administrative fine of OMR 50. The fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat violation.
Article (7) says that this decision shall be published in the Official Gazette, and it shall come into effect from the day following the date of its publication.
