Article – Decree Blog https://blog.decree.om Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:05:21 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://i0.wp.com/blog.decree.om/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/favicon-decree.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Article – Decree Blog https://blog.decree.om 32 32 197035704 Four Differences Between LLCs and SPCs https://blog.decree.om/2025/four-differences-between-llcs-and-spcs/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:00:40 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3280 Companies in Oman are governed by the Commercial Companies Law and its regulations, such as the Commercial Companies Regulation. These legal instruments set the foundation for how to establish, operate, and manage companies in the Sultanate of Oman. Among the various legal forms of companies are Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Single Person Companies (SPCs), also known as One-Person Companies, which are the most commonly used forms due to the simplicity of the formalities for establishing them and the fact that they both offer their shareholders limited liability. This article will highlight four key distinctions between LLCs and SPCs.

Ownership Structure

LLCs are formed by multiple shareholders, with a minimum of two and a maximum of fifty shareholders. The share capital is divided among these shareholders. Whereas, SPCs are owned entirely and exclusively by one individual or entity. Thats why many people understand SPCs to be essentially LLCs, but with a single shareholder.

Number of Companies a Person Can Establish

LLCs have no specific limitation on the number of companies a person can establish, on the other hand, in regard to SPCs, a natural person may not establish more than one SPC, and a SPC cannot establish another SPC.

Management and Continuity upon Owner’s Death

In terms of management and continuity, LLCs are managed by one or more managers appointed by the shareholders, and the company continues to exist regardless of changes in shareholders. Whilst SPCs are managed by the sole owner, who may also appoint managers, and a SPC ceases to exist upon the death of the owner unless the shares of the heirs are held by one person or the heirs decide to change the SPC to a different legal form.

Operational Formalities

A LLC is required to have a shareholders meeting at least once a year, and it must appoint an external auditor if certain conditions are met (such as having more than seven shareholders or having a capital exceeding fifty thousand Rial Omani). These formalities are not required for SPCs at all.

Conclusion

LLCs and SPCs are very similar, but there are some key differences between them. It is highly recommended for any lawyer working in corporate matters to familiarise themselves with all the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law. You can read the Commercial Companies Law in English in full at the link below:

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7 Types of Leave Under the Omani Labour Law https://blog.decree.om/2025/7-types-of-leave-under-the-omani-labour-law/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:55:40 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3295 The Omani Labour Law lays out a comprehensive framework that regulates the rights and obligations of employers and employees. Under this law employees are entitled in certain circumstances to different types of leave that are usually given with full pay. In this article, we will highlight 7 of the most commonly used types of leaves under the Labour Law.

1. Annual Leave

The annual leave is the most common type of leave, it entitles an employee to a minimum of 30 days of paid leave, granted they complete six months of employment. It can be taken in parts and can be carried over to the next year, provided that the total balance does not exceed 30 days, unless the leave was not taken due to work requirements.

2. Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 98 days of paid maternity leave. This could be started at most 14 days before the expected date of birth. Something interesting most people don’t know is that this special treatment extends to when she comes back to work, as she is entitled to a one hour paid break per day for childcare for one year.

3. Paternity Leave

New fathers can get 7 days of paid paternity leave within 98 days of the child’s birth. If the mother passes away during childbirth or while on maternity leave, the father is entitled to the remainder of the maternity leave.

4. Sick Leave

If an employee provides a medical certificate from a recognised medical authority, the employee is granted a maximum of 182 days of sick leave per year. The employee is entitled to the full salary for the first 21 days. Should the employee’s illness continue, the pay is gradually reduced: the employee receives 75% of the salary for days 22-35, 50% for days 36-70, and 35% for the remaining time up to the 182-day annual limit.

5. Bereavement Leave

When losing a loved one, the Omani Labour Law grants employees paid leave to grieve. The employee is entitled to 10 days for the death of a spouse or child, 3 days for a parent, grandparent, or sibling, and 2 days for an aunt or uncle.

6. Iddah Leave

Iddah in Sharia law is the period a Muslim woman must observe in her home after the death of her husband. In that case, she is allowed 130 days, as opposed to 14 days for non-Muslim women.

7. Hajj Leave

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage Muslims perform in Mecca. The Labour Law grants Muslim employees 15 days of paid leave once during their service to perform the Hajj.

Conclusion

These were some of the leaves granted to employees under the Labour Law. It is important to note that there are other types of leaves that were not covered, such as marriage, study, and patient accompaniment leave. We highly recommend that all employers and employees make themselves familiar with all the provisions of the Labour Law.

You can read the Labour Law in full in English at the link below:


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Four Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About the Council of Ministers in Oman https://blog.decree.om/2025/four-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-council-of-ministers-in-oman/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:22:06 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3247 The Council of Ministers is the main body of the executive branch of the government in the Sultanate of Oman. Where the legislative and judiciary branches are the responsibility of other entities, the Council of Ministers is responsible for drawing up and implementing state policies. This blog post will highlight four interesting facts about the Council of Ministers you may not know!

The Sultan is the Prime Minister?

The current Prime Minister is Sultan Haitham. However, the Basic Statute of the State allows the Sultan to appoint someone else to be the Prime Minister. Most people don’t know that there was a period of time the Sultan actually appointed a Prime Minister. This happened between the years 1970 – 1972, where Sultan Qaboos appointed Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur (Sultan Haitham’s father) as Prime Minister.

Who Qualifies for the Council of Ministers?

For a person to be appointed a member of the Council of Ministers, they must be at least 30 years of age and they must be of Omani nationality by origin. The age requirement is to balance appointing young and talented leaders, while also ensuring they have the required experience.

Executive but with legislative roles?

The Council of Minister has many functions as the main body of the executive branch of the government, such as overseeing the functioning of the administrative apparatus of the state, monitoring the performance of its duties, and coordinating between its units. However, the Council of Ministers also drafts laws and royal decrees, which can be seen as being interconnected with the legislative branch of the government. If you are further interested in understanding the separation of powers in Oman, check out this post on our blog.

Ministers On Boards of Public Companies?

The Basic Statute of the State prohibits members of the Council of Ministers from being members of any board of directors of any public joint stock company (SAOG) during their tenure. However, they are not restricted from being members of boards of directors of other forms of companies, such as LLCs, and SAOCs.

Conclusion

The Council of Ministers remains one the most crucial bodies in the government of the Sultanate of Oman. You can learn more about it by reading the Basic Statute of the State in full in English at the link below:


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Five Fundamental Duties of the Sultan https://blog.decree.om/2025/five-fundamental-duties-of-the-sultan-in-omans-constitutional-framework/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:42:49 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3232 The Sultanate of Oman operates under the guidance of the Basic Statute of the State, which functions as its constitution. The most current version of this constitution was promulgated by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in 2021 through Royal Decree 6/2021. This landmark document defines the Sultan not only as the head of state but as the unifying symbol of the nation, entrusted with pivotal duties essential to the country’s governance and stability. The Sultan’s core responsibilities are outlined primarily in Article 49 of the Basic Statute of the State. This blog will explore five of the duties of His Majesty highlighting his central role in governance and state affairs.

Preserving the independence and integrity of the country

Oman is internationally known for its peaceful and harmonious character, this anchors the nation’s sovereignty and ensures its unity amid regional and global challenges. It is through His Majesty’s efforts that Oman’s reputation is maintained, preserving and protecting the state’s rich history.

Safeguarding the rights and liberties of citizens

The duty of the Sultan to safeguard citizens’ rights and freedoms in Oman is realised through a constitutional and legal regime emphasizing justice and the rule of law. It entails the protection of fundamental human rights founded on constitutional guarantees and rigorous judicial safeguards.

Guaranteeing the rule of law and directing the public policy of the state

Establishing the legal framework and national direction promotes social and economic stability. The Sultan’s role, assisted by the Council of Ministers, reflects a governance structure with separation of powers, the legislative process and the judicial authority.

Presiding over the Council of Ministers

In the context of Oman, the leadership of the Council of Ministers is vested in His Majesty the Sultan, who may serve as a Prime Minister or appoint someone to this position.

Promulgating laws, ratifying international treaties, and granting pardons

Promulgation refers to the formal process by which laws are officially issued and made enforceable within the country. Treaty ratification is a critical step that provides the Sultanate of Oman with formal commitment to international agreements. Finally His Majesty has the power to grant pardons as a sovereign prerogative.

Conclusion

Oman’s Basic Statute of the State articulates the Sultan’s role as foundational to the country’s stability, prosperity, and identity. The duties of the Sultan reflect a governance system that blends traditional monarchy with modern institutional frameworks, balancing authority with responsibility for the Omani people.

For those interested in further exploring the Omani constitutional law, the Basic Statute of the State remains a key document that encapsulates the legal and political principles governing the Sultanate today.

You can read the Basic Statute of the State in full in English through the link below:


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Market Disclosures for Public Companies https://blog.decree.om/2025/market-disclosures-for-public-companies/ Sun, 15 Jun 2025 05:03:55 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3160 In Oman’s capital market, transparency is more than a guiding principle, it is a legal obligation. Public joint stock companies are required to disclose key information that enables investors to make informed decisions and supports the integrity of the market. These disclosure requirements are part of a broader regulatory framework designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and investor protection across the stock exchange. This blog post will explain what disclosures are, the important role they play in the market, and an overview on the legal framework governing disclosures.

What Are Market Disclosures and Why Are They Important?

Market disclosures refer to the information that listed companies are required to publish to the public, investors, and regulatory authorities. These disclosures cover a broad spectrum of data, including financial statements, material events, corporate governance practices, and increasingly, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. The aim is to ensure that stakeholders receive timely and reliable updates that may influence the valuation or trading of the shares of a publicly listed company.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) jointly oversee these obligations, issuing various decisions and circulars to guide the process. Disclosures are not limited to periodic financial results but also include information that could significantly impact market perception, such as dividend policies, board resolutions, and clarifications on market rumours or unusual trading activity.

The importance and purpose of market disclosures extends beyond simple regulatory compliance. By providing investors with consistent, accurate, and timely information, disclosures help identify and address information asymmetries, which can otherwise lead to unfair trading advantages or price manipulation. This transparency enables informed decision-making, promotes equal access to information, and helps maintain market integrity and investor confidence. The regulatory framework also provides enforcement mechanisms to ensure that non-compliance results in appropriate penalties, thereby reinforcing the significance of continuous and accurate reporting.

Legal Framework Governing Disclosures

The legal framework governing disclosures in Oman is comprehensive and draws on several primary and secondary sources of legislation. The Securities Law of 2022 governs a variety of securities including stocks. Articles 32 and  34 of this law prohibit trading of all securities based on undisclosed insider information and mandates the disclosure of material information required by law, which imposes duties of transparency and fairness, and requires regulated entities to disclose material facts that could influence trading decisions.

It is worth noting that article II of the Royal Decree 46/2022 Issuing the Securities Law mandated that an executive regulation for this law must be issued by June 2023, however, the FSA has not issued the regulation yet and accordingly, we have to refer to the executive regulation of the old Capital Market Law issued by the former Capital Market Authority (now the FSA) to implement the legal requirements set by the Securities Law. Part seven of this executive regulation details the methods, timing, and scope of material disclosures, including quarterly and annual financial results. Complementing this, the CMA Circular CMA/236/2014 outlines practical expectations, such as the requirement to publish financial news at least thirty minutes before trading sessions and to disclose audited financials within five days of board approval.

The Public Joint Stock Companies Regulation also defines the meaning of material information and specifies detailed procedures and timelines for publication of financial statements and disclosures. These provisions ensure that all disclosures are made in a structured and timely manner, with accountability placed firmly on the company’s board of directors.

In parallel, MSX Decision 77/2025 mandates public joint stock companies to disclose ESG practices through both the MSX platform and their own websites. These disclosures must be made within 30 days of the end of the financial year, or 45 days for companies with subsidiaries, and must present a balanced view that includes both positive achievements and material challenges.

Conclusion

Market disclosures are a cornerstone of Oman’s capital market integrity. By mandating consistent, comprehensive, and timely communication from listed companies, the regulatory framework ensures that investors are well-informed and that the market operates on principles of fairness and accountability. The FSA might issue the new regulation of the Securities Law at any time, therefore, it is important to stay up to date with new developments in this area.

You can search for the last MSX disclosures and track the disclosures of specific companies on Decree Risk on the link below:


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Foreign Lawyers in Oman Under the New Advocacy Law https://blog.decree.om/2025/foreign-legal-practice-in-oman-boundaries-conditions-and-collaborations/ Sun, 01 Jun 2025 05:42:42 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3117 The legal framework regulating the practice of foreign lawyers in the Sultanate of Oman was fundamentally reshaped by the new Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Law, issued by Royal Decree 41/2024, and the Executive Regulation of the Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Law issued by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs Decision 66/2025. Some of the most significant changes by this new legal framework are the rules governing the practice of foreign lawyers in Oman. This blog post will highlight the key implication that this new law would have for foreign lawyers wishing to work in private practice in Oman.

To start with, it is worth noting that the Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Law governs the work of law firms, and has no implications for legal professionals working as legal advisors in companies and other organisations, such as banks, telecom companies, or any other corporation. This means that restrictions imposed on foreign lawyers who wish to work as advocates or as legal consultants in a law firm do not apply to foreign lawyers wishing to work as in-house counsel.

The Old System

Under the previous legal framework, Oman prohibited foreign lawyers from appearing before its courts. However, this did not stop law firms from hiring foreigners in roles such as “legal advisors” and “legal experts,” without registering them with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, to provide legal advice without appearing before any court. This practice was tolerated by the government, even though it would be considered in the grey zone at best.

Advocacy Offices and Legal Consultancy Offices

The new Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Law made substantial changes to the way law firms operate in Oman by introducing two distinct types of legal entities: advocacy offices and legal consultancy offices. Advocacy offices can offer all forms of legal services, including litigation services and can only hire Omani advocates. Legal consultancy offices can offer legal services and arbitration services, but not litigation before Omani courts, and can hire both Omani and foreign legal consultants.

The Executive Regulation of the Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Law also added additional requirements for recruiting foreign lawyers in legal consultancy offices, the most important being that a foreign lawyer must have at least five years of experience to be registered as a legal consultant.

Even though the law now allows foreigners to be formally registered with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, the law allows Omanis only to be the owners of a legal consultancy office. In addition to the ability of foreigners to register as legal consultants in Oman, the law now has a formal framework for establishing partnerships between Omani and foreign law firms and for establishing branches for foreign law firms. Under Article 64 of the law, foreign participation in legal consultancy is permitted through the establishment of a new office in partnership with an Omani legal consultancy firm, but not with an Omani advocacy firm. This means that a foreign law firm cannot form a formal partnership with an Omani law firm that provides litigation services.

Branches of Foreign Law Firms

Furthermore, the law now also allows foreign law firms to establish branches in Oman without any local partners. However, this is only permitted for law firms that have branches in three other countries and have been established for at least fifteen years. However, it is worth noting that the lawyers working in the Omani branch must fulfil the requirements for the registration of legal consultants. This means that the branch would only be able to hire foreign lawyers who have at least five years of experience.

In addition to these tightly controlled entry mechanism for foreign law firms and the practice of foreign lawyers, the law contains a narrow exception under article 17 that permits foreign advocates—whether from Arab or non-Arab countries—to appear before Omani courts in a specific lawsuit as long as the foreign lawyer is working in partnership with an Omani advocate and as long as there is a reciprocity arrangement exists between Oman and the home country. The approval of the Chairman of the Advocates and Legal Consultants Affairs Committee is also required. This unique provision appears to be reserved for unique cross-border cases and is unlikely to apply to foreign lawyers residing or practising in Oman on a permanent basis.

Conclusion

The new Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Law and its executive regulation provide new opportunities for foreign lawyers to practice in Oman and will transform the legal industry. You can read the law and its executive regulation in English in full on the links below:


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The Making of a Constitution: History of the Basic Statute of the State https://blog.decree.om/2025/the-making-of-a-constitution-history-of-the-basic-statute-of-the-state/ Thu, 08 May 2025 07:47:01 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3054

The constitution of the Sultanate of Oman, formally known as the Basic Statute of the State, is the supreme legislative document in the country. It governs the operation of the institutions of the state and determines the relationship of the states with all individuals while providing structure and clarity on the operation of the government. The Basic Statute of the State was issued by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos through Royal Decree 101/96 in the year 1996 as a gift to the people of Oman. Since then, it was amended twice, in 2011 and 2021. This blog post will outline the status of the legal system before 1996, before outlining the changes made to the Basic Statute of the State throughout the years.

Legal System Pre 1996

Prior to the issuance of the Basic Statute of the State in 1996, Oman had a sophisticated and codified legal system that started from the accession of Sultan Qaboos into power in 1970, including legal instruments that governed the operation of the government, an elected Shura Council, and a robust court system. However, Oman did not have a single comprehensive legal system that clearly determined the duties of the Sultan, the Council of Ministers, and the duties and responsibilities of the state and the citizens.

The Basic Statute of the State of 1996

The Basic Statute of the State was issued as the first Omani constitution by Royal Decree 101/96. This document declared Oman as an independent Arab state, affirmed Islam as the religion of the land, and stipulated that Arabic is the official language of the state. It set the rules for accession through the secret will system, defined the concept of separation of powers within the Omani context, and determined the rules of the Sultan, the duties of the state, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, among many other constitutional matters.

The First Amendment of the Omani Constitution

Sultan Qaboos amended the Basic Statute of the State only once in the year 2011 as a response to the events of the Arab Spring. The amendments that were made were precise and specific, and they strengthened the powers of the Council of Oman, i.e. the Omani parliament, by enhancing its oversight powers over the legislative process and monitoring government performance.

Modernising the Constitution in 2021

Following his accession in 2020, Sultan Haitham issued a new Basic Statute of the State by Royal Decree 6/2021 which retained an extremely similar structure to the Basic Statute of the State of 1996, but made significant changes to the succession process by establishing a legal framework for the appointment of a crown prince and removing the secret will mechanism that was found in the original Basic Statute of the State.

Conclusion

The Basic Statute of the State marked a major milestone in Oman’s modern history, establishing the foundation of structured and stable governance. Since its establishment in 1996, through the amendments made in 2011, and the modernisation in 2021 it has evolved to meet the demands of the Sultanate of Oman and continues to be an essential component of the country’s development.

You can read the Basic Statute of the State in full in English free of charge on the link below:


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Principles That Shape Oman: A Look into Book Two of the Basic Statute of the State https://blog.decree.om/2025/principles-that-shape-oman-a-look-into-book-two-of-the-basic-statute-of-the-state/ Thu, 08 May 2025 04:29:44 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=3041 Book Two of the Basic Statute of the State, i.e. the Omani constitution, lays down the foundation for how the state functions as well as its main priorities. While the Basic Statute of the State as a whole is rich in constitutional guidance, Book Two is especially notable for how it comprehensively maps out the principles that shape Oman’s political, economic, social, and cultural trajectory. This blog post highlights the key principles found in this extremely important part of the Omani constitution.

Book Two of the Basic Statute of the State is divided into four chapters: Political Principles (article 13), Economic Principles (article 14), Social Principles (article 15), and Cultural Principles (article 16). These articles provide a comprehensive framework for governing the internal and external duties of the state, its role in ensuring welfare and justice, and its responsibility to promote education, culture, and heritage.

Article 13: Political Principles

The political foundation of the Sultanate of Oman is rooted in the preservation of sovereignty, security, and independence. This article outlines the duty of the state to safeguard its stability and uphold its statehood. Furthermore, it emphasises foreign policy grounded in mutual respect, non-interference, and compliance with international charters and treaties. Importantly, it calls for governance systems based on shura, derived from islamic sharia and omani values, while endorsing modern administrative practices that ensure justice and equality for all citizens.

Article 14: Economic Principles

This article defines the economic visions of the state. It stipulates that the State guarantees economic freedom within a framework of social justice, where public and private sectors cooperate for development. This article also prescribes that the state retains ownership of natural resources and is mandated to manage them in line with public interest and the law, that the state is meant to encourage investment, regulate savings and credit, and protect both public and private property, among other economic duties.

Article 15: Social Principles

Justice, equality, and opportunity are enshrined as pillars of society. Article 15 highlights the significance of national unity and family values while requiring the state to guarantee equality between women and men, and to provide care for children, youth, and the disabled. Social security, emergency aid, and healthcare are legal guarantees, as is the state’s role in environmental protection. Article 15 also affirms “work” as a right and an honour, and stipulates that no citizen may be forced into employment except by law under specific conditions.

Article 16: Cultural Principles

Education is identified by article 16 as a fundamental right, with objectives including the development of national identity, scientific thinking, and civic values. According to this article, primary education must be made compulsory, while higher education is to made accessible based on merit. The state promotes literacy, supports scientific research, and guarantees the independence of academic institutions.

Conclusion

Book Two of the Basic Statute does more than provide aspirational goals; it sets binding constitutional standards that define Oman’s governance model. These provisions offer a robust and interlinked framework for how the state must function, interact with its citizens, and position itself in the international community. The articles reflect a clear legal intent: to build a just, stable, and forward-looking society rooted in Omani identity and Islamic values, yet open to modern and global engagement.

You can read the Basic Statute of the State in full in English free of charge on the link below:


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5 Key ICESCR Provisions: Implementation Efforts in Oman https://blog.decree.om/2025/5-key-icescr-provisions-implementation-efforts-in-oman/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:44:49 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=2909 The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is a multilateral treaty ratified by most of the United Nations (UN) member states, which lays out and aims to enforce various economic, cultural and social rights. It is one of the principal international human rights treaties. Oman’s ratification of the ICESCR, through Royal Decree 46/2020, brought the treaty into force for the Sultanate, signifying its commitment to upholding the human rights enshrined within the covenant. Since then, Oman has actively pursued implementation of the ICESCR’s principles, with “progressive realization” as a guiding framework, and focusing on key provisions including the right to work, social security, education, and adequate standard of living.

The Principle of Progressive Realization

It takes consistent effort and adequate awareness of the local circumstances to translate the ICESRC principles into tangible realities. Hence, a core principle of the ICESCR is “progressive realization”, acknowledging that states may need time and resources to fully implement these rights. For Oman, this means continuous refinement of policies and legislation, adapting to evolving needs and building upon existing foundations to ensure sustainable progress in upholding economic, social, and cultural rights. Oman’s efforts are evident in the promulgation of several new laws targeting ICESCR rights since their 2020 ratification, which will be explored in the subsequent sections.

Right to Work

Article 6 of the ICESCR recognizes the right to work as a fundamental human right and emphasizes that everyone deserves the chance to earn a living through chosen employment with fair wages, safe conditions, and reasonable hours. Oman has made significant strides in advancing this right. Royal Decree 53/2023, promulgating the Labour Law, represents a crucial step in modernizing the labour sector. This legislation prioritizes fair employment practices, enhances worker protections, and promotes Omanisation. In an effort to ensure fairness, the new Labour Law has clarified wrongful dismissal cases, incorporating provisions that prevent discrimination, protect trade union activities, and safeguard against employer retaliation. These initiatives are designed to increase employment opportunities and ensure decent working conditions, aligning with the principles of article 6.

Right to Social Security

Article 9 recognizes the right of everyone to social security, including social insurance. Royal Decree 52/2023, promulgating the Social Protection Law, signifies Oman’s commitment to strengthening its social safety net. This law aims to expand coverage, streamline benefits, and improve the overall efficiency of social protection programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential support. The law comprehensively addresses social services, providing support for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, widows, orphans, and people with disabilities. A notable advancement is the law’s substantial improvement to maternity and paternity leave provisions, offering greater support to parents alongside coverage for other critical contingencies like workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. By focusing on vulnerable populations and ensuring access to essential support, Oman is making tangible progress in fulfilling the obligations of article 9.

Right to an Adequate Standard of Living

Article 11 involves ensuring that everyone has access to adequate clothing, food, and housing in addition to continuous improvements to living conditions. For Oman, the Social Protection Law stands as a cornerstone of the country’s commitment to addressing poverty and raising living standards, especially for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, to ensure the right to adequate housing, Royal Decree 42/2021 on Granting Government Land directly fulfills the ICESCR’s provisions by providing eligible Omanis with accessible land for residential purposes. This initiative sets Oman apart from many neighbouring countries, demonstrating a commitment to housing access that directly supports its citizens’ right to an adequate standard of living, particularly for low and middle-income families.

Right to Education

Article 13 ensures that education is available, accessible, and of high quality for all individuals. Oman has demonstrated a strong commitment to the right to education. In 2023, the enactment of the School Education Law and the Higher Education Law exemplify this commitment, which focus on enhancing educational quality, expanding access, and aligning education with the needs of the labour market. These laws address issues such as curriculum development and access to higher education, which Oman is striving to provide quality education for all its citizens.

Conclusion

Oman’s dedication to the ICESCR is evident in its proactive legislative measures and ongoing initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to ‘progressive realization’ across key economic, cultural and social rights.


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Four Commercial Laws Every Law Graduate Must Read https://blog.decree.om/2025/four-commercial-laws-every-law-graduate-must-read/ Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:44:13 +0000 https://blog.decree.om/?p=2813 If you are a recent law graduate with aspirations for working in-house or in private practice with a focus on commercial law matters, you need to make sure that you are familiar with the key commercial laws of Oman.

This blog post highlights the most important commercial laws that are fundamental for law graduates to learn about:

1. Commercial Companies Law:

The Commercial Companies Law determines the types of companies that may be registered in Oman, namely: general partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, joint stock companies (public/closed), holding companies, limited liability companies, and one-person companies. The law provides the legal framework and requirements for establishing and forming these companies, the roles and responsibilities of company directors, the rights and obligations of shareholders, procedures for conversion, merger, dissolution, and liquidation of the company, as well as providing a concise legal framework for insolvency proceedings and company liquidation.

2. Labour Law:

The Labour Law governs the relationship between employers and employees and attempts to strike a balance for the legal protection of both parties. The law covers issues such as employment contracts, working hours, leaves, wages, occupational safety, termination of employment, and dispute resolution. A comprehensive understanding of labour law is crucial for law graduates aspiring to work in commercial law, as it enables them to advise on employment practices, compliance with Ministry of Labour directives, and managing workplace disputes.

3. Law of Arbitration in Civil and Commercial Disputes:

Given Oman’s growing focus on alternative dispute resolution, the Law of Arbitration in Civil and Commercial Disputes is critical as it provides the legal framework for arguably the most important mechanism for alternative dispute resolution: arbitration. Arbitration offers a flexible, confidential, and legally binding mechanism for settling disputes, making it an essential aspect of commercial practice in Oman, especially in sectors like construction, energy, and finance. The law outlines the rules and procedures governing arbitration agreements, the appointment of arbitrators, arbitration hearings, and the enforcement of arbitral awards. For law graduates, understanding arbitration laws is essential for advising clients on the most efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

4. Personal Data Protection Law:

As Oman advances in digital transformation, the Personal Data Protection Law has become a crucial piece of legislation. This law sets regulations for the collection, processing, storage, and transfer of personal data. It imposes strict compliance requirements on businesses, including the need to obtain consent for data processing, implement security measures, and adhere to restrictions on cross-border data transfers. A solid grasp of the implications of this law is crucial for law graduates, especially those advising clients on data protection compliance and mitigating legal risks associated with data breaches or non-compliance with privacy regulations. The Personal Data Protection Law is particularly relevant in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and e-commerce that rely heavily on the processing of personal data.

Conclusion

The laws mentioned above are merely some of the key commercial laws that a commercial lawyer needs to know. The Omani legal system is continuously developing, and it is extremely important for all lawyers to stay up to date with new legal developments to be able to provide their clients with reliable legal advice. One of the easier ways to stay up to date with the latest updates in the Omani legal system is to simply follow Decree on LinkedIn and Instagram.


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