MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour has issued an official reminder to all employers and workers in the Sultanate regarding the strict legal requirement for written and formalized employment agreements.
In accordance with Article 33 of Oman’s Labour Law, authorities emphasized that all employment contracts must be properly documented in writing and issued in Arabic.
According to a statement from the ministry, these contracts must be prepared in duplicate, ensuring both the employer and the employee retain an official copy. While organizations are permitted to draft contracts in other languages, an approved Arabic translation must be attached and signed by both parties. The ministry clarified that both the Arabic and alternative language versions will carry equal legal weight.
Furthermore, officials clarified that the absence of a written contract does not strip workers of their legal protections. If a formalized document does not exist, employees maintain the full legal right to establish their claims, rights, and entitlements using any legally recognized means of evidence.
The Ministry of Labour concluded its advisory by stressing that all employment contracts must undergo official review and validation by the competent authority to comply with the standard legal employment procedures in Oman.
