Oman Introduces Stringent Penalties for Tardiness and Workplace Misconduct to Enhance Discipline

Oman has implemented new regulations imposing severe penalties on private sector employees for tardiness, early departures, and workplace misconduct. The move is part of the government’s effort to enhance workplace discipline and maintain safety standards.

 

The Ministry of Labour's Ministerial Resolution No. 618/2024 requires companies with 25 or more employees to establish clear penalty guidelines and ensure that all workers are informed about these rules. Under the new regulations, arriving more than 60 minutes late without a valid excuse can result in wage deductions of up to two days.

 

Penalties for Tardiness and Absences

The penalties for late arrivals escalate based on the duration and frequency of delays. For those arriving up to 15 minutes late, a written warning will be issued for the first offense, while subsequent offenses may result in wage deductions ranging from 5% to 20%. Employees arriving 15 to 30 minutes late can expect deductions between 10% and 25% of their daily wages. If tardiness exceeds 30 minutes, the penalty increases significantly, with deductions of up to 75% for arrivals more than an hour late.

Unauthorized absences will result in wage deductions between 25% and 50%, while employees who leave work early without permission face wage cuts of up to 50%, written warnings, or a one-day suspension.

 

Broader Workplace Infractions

The new regulations cover a wide range of workplace violations beyond tardiness. These include receiving unauthorized visitors at the workplace, exiting the premises through non-designated areas, and unauthorized use of company property, such as telephones for personal purposes. Such infractions may result in written warnings, wage deductions, or suspensions, depending on the severity of the offense.

Tampering with attendance records, a serious violation, will lead to severe penalties. Negligence that endangers workplace safety or causes material damage may result in suspensions of up to five days. Employees found under the influence of alcohol or drugs during work hours will face immediate dismissal without compensation.

 

Personal Data and Serious Misconduct

Failure to notify employers of changes in personal information within a seven-day period can lead to wage cuts or up to a three-day suspension. Behavioral misconduct, such as offensive language, minor physical altercations, or inappropriate actions, can result in suspensions or dismissal in extreme cases.

Serious offenses, including accepting bribes, striking without following legal procedures, or making false accusations against colleagues, carry the harshest penalties, including dismissal with or without compensation.

 

Enforcement and Compliance

The Ministry of Labour requires that employers clearly display these regulations in both Arabic and English within visible areas of the workplace. Government campaigns are actively targeting non-compliant practices across Oman’s governorates, with random inspections ensuring adherence to these standards.

The government has made it clear that violations of labour laws will not be tolerated, and penalties will be strictly enforced for both employees and employers found in breach of these regulations. The focus is on maintaining discipline, safety, and a fair work environment across the nation.

 

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