Working Hours and Overtime in Oman
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Oman's Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023) sets strict limits on working hours and requires premium pay for overtime:
- Normal hours: Maximum 9 hours per day or 45 hours per week, excluding breaks. Royal Decree 53/2023 maintains the same daily and weekly limits as the previous RD 35/2003.
- Ramadan hours: Reduced to 6 hours per day or 30 hours per week for Muslim workers.
- Summer midday ban: Outdoor work is prohibited from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM from June 1 to August 31 — a critical rule for construction and oil field 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 outdoors and your employer requires you to work during the summer midday ban hours.
- You are asked to work on your weekly rest day or a public holiday.
What to Do If Your Employer Is Violating Oman's Working Hours Rules
- 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 Labour Care Department at the Ministry of Labour.
- If your union committee exists at your workplace, raise the issue through your union representative — Oman is the only Gulf state where this is a legal option.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work excessive overtime without records — undocumented hours are nearly impossible to prove in a dispute.
- Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract — this right cannot be contracted away under the Labour Law.
- Do not comply with orders to work during the midday ban (12:30-3:30 PM, June-August) — report violations to the Ministry of Labour hotline.
Common Questions
When does it apply — working hours and overtime?
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 outdoors and your employer requires you to work during the summer midday ban hours.You are asked to work on your weekly rest day or a public holiday.
What should I do if my employer in Oman is forcing me to work excessive hours without overtime pay?
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 Labour Care Department at the Ministry of Labour.If your union committee exists at your workplace, raise the issue through your union representative — Oman is the only Gulf state where this is a legal option.
What should you NOT do — working hours and overtime?
Do not work excessive overtime without records — undocumented hours are nearly impossible to prove in a dispute.Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract — this right cannot be contracted away under the Labour Law.Do not comply with orders to work during the midday ban (12:30-3:30 PM, June-August) — report violations to the Ministry of Labour hotline.