Oman Tightens Private Sector Bribery Laws with Harsher Jail Terms and Fines

Oman has strengthened its anti-bribery framework by expanding private sector bribery offences and introducing tougher penalties under amendments to the Penal Code issued through Royal Decree No. 66 of 2026.

Published in the Official Gazette, the amendments create a dedicated chapter on private sector bribery, replacing earlier provisions under the Labour Law. The reforms widen the scope of criminal liability, increase prison terms and impose penalties even on those whose bribe offers are rejected.

Under the amended law, employers, board members and employees of private sector entities who solicit, accept or are promised a benefit in exchange for carrying out, delaying or refraining from duties related to their work face prison terms ranging from one to three years. They may also be fined at least the value of the benefit received or promised.

The punishment increases to between three and five years in prison if the benefit is linked to acts that violate professional duties or involve a failure to perform work-related obligations. In such cases, offenders will also face fines of no less than the value of the benefit involved.

The amendments also criminalise attempted bribery, with prison terms of between three months and one year for anyone who offers a bribe that is refused.

Bribe givers and intermediaries will face the same penalties as recipients. However, those who voluntarily report or confess to the offence before it is uncovered may be exempt from punishment. Confessions made after discovery may still be considered a mitigating factor.

The provisions apply to private sector companies and institutions, as well as international public institutions headquartered in Oman.

Government representatives serving on company boards, employees of wholly state-owned enterprises, and those working for companies in which the government holds more than 40 per cent of the capital will remain subject to separate bribery provisions applicable to public officials under the Penal Code.

 

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