MUSCAT: Oman has introduced new regulations for temporary worker transfers under Royal Decree 53/2023. These guidelines are part of a broader effort to enforce Omanisation policies and maintain a fair and transparent labour market. The aim is to ensure that worker transfers do not undermine local employment opportunities and that workers’ rights are protected throughout the process.
The new rules stipulate that temporary transfers are allowed only if the worker’s profession is not Omanized, the transfer aligns with their job category, and the worker provides consent. In addition, the worker must have been employed for a minimum of six months at the transferring establishment, possess a valid work permit with at least six months before expiration, and there must be no pending financial obligations between the establishments involved.
Moreover, the regulation limits the number of transfers in or out of a facility to 50% of the workforce in a given year. The transfer period is capped at six months, and the receiving establishment is required to offer the worker equal or higher wages, along with the same benefits as per Oman’s wage protection system.
In cases of violations, such as workers leaving the receiving establishment without notice, the Ministry of Labour must be notified immediately, and the original employer must report the incident. These measures are designed to ensure job security, fairness, and transparency throughout the temporary transfer process.
