Minimum salary for locals in private sector

Representatives of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm highlighted the minimum wage national employees are entitled to in the country

MADIHA ASIF madiha@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Nationals of the Sultanate of Oman working in the private sector are entitled to a minimum salary, based upon a ministerial decision.

In a series of articles about Oman’s rules and regulations, entitled “Know Oman”, experts guide readers on their rights and responsibilities while working and living in Oman.

Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, representatives of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading legal office in Oman, highlighted the minimum wage national employees are entitled to in the country.

“About five years ago, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) issued decision number 222/2013, which determines the minimum salary for Omani nationals employed in the private sector,” said Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Chairman of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm.

“All private employers are requested to comply with this decision, starting from its date of wage in Oman,” the spokesperson added.

“This Ministerial decision sets the minimum salary for full-time Omani nationals at the level of OMR225, as well as an allowance of OMR100, which in total amounts to OMR325 per month.

“This amount of OMR325 represents the legal minimum that employers must offer. There is no maximum legal limit in salaries, and the real wage is a matter of agreement between both parties, while taking particular qualifications, education and previous professional experience of the employee into consideration,” the spokesperson explained.

Contracts

The spokesman added that this minimum wage is applicable for both new and existing contracts starting from July 1, 2013, the date of validity of the MoM decision. “For lower wages than the stated amount of OMR325, the national employee can file a complaint at MoM asking for the balance between his current salary and the legal minimum.

“However, as per the Oman labour law, an employee can only file a complaint for his labour rights that include minimum salary, paid leaves, allowances, etc., for a maximum within one year from the date of the incident.

“If the employee is receiving a lower wage than the legal minimum for a period exceeding one year, he can still claim his rights at the MoM, but only the last year will be considered for his complaint,” the expert said.

Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm (info@mohammedibrahim.net) was established 11 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas, such as Duqm.

It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include labour law, corporate, commercial, contracts, banking and finance, international trade, foreign investment, insurance, maritime law, construction and engineering contracts, international arbitration, intellectual property and more.