MUSCAT – These laws, GFOW noted, reflect the Sultanate’s commitment to creating a balanced and fair workplace that empowers women to fulfil both their professional and family responsibilities.

Key legal provisions supporting working mothers:
• Female employees are entitled to 98 days of paid maternity leave, which may begin up to 14 days before childbirth.
• In the unfortunate event of foetal death after the 25th week, the full 98-day maternity leave still applies.
• Women who change employers during their maternity leave retain their full leave entitlement.
• Maternity leave can be shared between the mother and father, with the father eligible for 7 days of paternity leave, as long as the newborn is under 98 days old.
• In case of maternal death, the remaining maternity leave is transferred to the father to care for the newborn.
• Mothers may request an additional 98 days of unpaid leave, during which the employer is responsible for continuing Social Security Fund contributions.
• A working woman who assumes custody of a child of unknown parentage under 3 months old is granted the same leave as biological mothers.
• If a woman’s employment ends while on maternity leave, she retains her right to the full leave under the job security branch.