Working Hours and Overtime
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State.
Omani National Law
What is this right?
Oman's Labour Law limits how many hours you can work and requires extra pay for overtime:
- Normal hours: Maximum 9 hours per day or 45 hours per week, excluding breaks.
- Ramadan hours: Working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day or 30 hours per week for Muslim workers.
- Overtime pay: At least 125% of normal hourly wage for daytime overtime. Night overtime and holidays pay 150% or more.
- Rest period: At least 30 minutes break after 6 consecutive hours of work.
- Weekly rest: At least 1 full day off per week, normally Friday.
When does it apply?
- You work in the private sector under an employment contract in Oman.
- You are asked to work beyond 9 hours in a day or 45 hours in a week.
- You work during Ramadan — reduced hours apply to Muslim employees.
- You are asked to work on your weekly rest day or a public holiday.
What should you do?
- Track your working hours — keep a personal record of start times, end times, and overtime.
- If you are not receiving overtime pay, raise it with your employer in writing first.
- If unresolved, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.
- Request a copy of your attendance records from your employer.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work excessive overtime without records — undocumented hours are hard to prove.
- Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract — this right cannot be contracted away under the Labour Law.
- Do not ignore Ramadan reductions — employers must comply even for non-Muslim workers during reduced-hour periods set by the Ministry.
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