MUSCAT : The Resolution stipulating a model of penalty regulations for private sector workers, mandates that all employers with twenty-five or more employees establish a clear list of penalties and the conditions for their application.

Under the new guidelines, penalties will be based on common violations, particularly related to tardiness, absences, and workplace conduct. The resolution outlines specific penalty structures, including wage deductions for late arrivals and other violations. Here are some key highlights:

Tardiness:

• Up to 15 minutes late: A written warning for first offense, with subsequent penalties including deductions of 5 percent, 10 percent, or 20 percent of daily wages based on the number of warnings issued.

• 15 to 30 minutes late: Deductions of 10 percent, 15 percent, or 25 percent for minor disruptions; penalties increase to 15 percent, 25 percent, or 50 percent for delays that disrupt the workflow.

• More than 30 minutes late: Deductions can reach up to 75 percent of wages for delays over 60 minutes, regardless of whether the delay disrupts work.

Absence Without Permission: Absence incurs a penalty of 25 percent to 50 percent of daily wages, with workers losing pay for the days absent.

Leaving Work Early: Leaving before the designated time without permission can lead to penalties ranging from a written warning to a deduction of 50 percent of wages or a one-day suspension.

Unauthorized Exit: Exiting from a non-designated area of the facility can result in penalties including a 25 percent wage deduction, up to a two-day suspension.

Receiving Visitors: Welcoming non-employees without proper authorization can lead to penalties, reflecting the importance of maintaining workplace security.

Eating and Sleeping on the Job: Eating in prohibited areas or sleeping during work hours can incur penalties ranging from written warnings to multi-day suspensions.

Use of Facilities for Personal Purposes: Unauthorized use of the company’s phone for personal calls is also subject to penalties, emphasizing the need for professionalism.

Tampering with Attendance Records: Any alteration of attendance logs will face strict penalties, reinforcing the importance of accurate record-keeping.

Negligence in Job Performance: Laxity that results in harm to worker safety or damage to materials can lead to penalties from one to five days of suspension.

Drunkenness or Drug Use: Workers found under the influence during work hours face immediate dismissal without compensation.

Failure to Notify Changes: Not informing the employer about personal data changes within seven days may result in penalties ranging from a 50 percent wage deduction to a three-day suspension.

Behavioural Violations: Inappropriate behaviour, such as making offensive remarks or engaging in minor assaults, will also be met with serious penalties, potentially leading to multiple days of suspension or dismissal.

Behaviours such as sleeping during work hours, inappropriate conduct, or tampering with attendance records can lead to penalties including written warnings, suspensions from one to five days, or even termination in severe cases.

Serious Infractions: Serious violations such as accepting bribes, striking without legal procedures, or making false allegations against colleagues can result in termination with compensation or other severe penalties.

The Ministry emphasizes that all regulations must be clearly posted in both Arabic and English in visible areas of the workplace to ensure that all employees are aware of the rules and penalties. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance workplace discipline and safety across the private sector.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.