MUSCAT : The decision, based on Royal Decree 53/2023, establishes strict guidelines to ensure compliance with Omanisation efforts and labour laws.

Under the new rules, temporary transfers are permissible only if the following conditions are met: the worker’s profession must not fall under those Omanized; the transfer must align with the worker’s current job category and nature of work; and the worker must consent to the move. Additionally, the worker must have been employed for at least six months at the transferring establishment, hold an active work permit with at least six months before expiry, and both establishments involved must have no pending financial obligations with the Ministry or service suspensions.

The regulation also caps transfers to or from any facility at 50% of its workforce in a calendar year and limits each worker’s transfer period to six months. Employers receiving the worker are required to honor all rights and obligations, including offering a wage equal to or higher than the previous employer’s, along with the same benefits, as per Oman’s wage protection system.

Violations, such as workers leaving the receiving facility without notice, mandate immediate communication to the original employer, who must report the issue to the Ministry. Importantly, the transfer period will be considered part of the worker’s total service period.

The decision emphasizes transparency and ensures that transferred workers retain job security and fair treatment during the temporary move.

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.