Category: Special Feature

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the ascension of Sultan Haitham to the throne, and also marks the third anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Statute of the State, i.e. the constitution of Oman. The very first Omani constitution was promulgated by the late Sultan Qaboos in 1996, which was amended only once in 2011. Sultan Haitham issued a new constitution exactly one year after his ascension to the throne, which largely retained the structure and content of the previous constitution, but with some key changes. As today marks the third anniversary of this constitution, this post will highlight three of its most important new provisions.

Last year was a big year for Omani legislation with the promulgation of several key laws such as the Labour Law, the Social Protection Law, and the Maritime Law. We expect the year 2024 to have major legislative developments that are similar, if not greater, than those that came out in 2023. This post will highlight some of our predictions for this year.

The year 2023 had some of the biggest legal developments in Oman in recent years, with the promulgation of many critical laws such as the Labour Law, the Social Protection Law, the Maritime Law, and many more. This blog post provides an overview of the most significant royal decrees that came out this year.

The long-awaited Omani Labour Law that came out last month makes substantial changes to the relationship between employees and employers, and it will take everyone a period of time to fully appreciate the changes introduced by this critical piece of Omani legislation. In this blog post, we will shed light on 5 of the most significant benefits that both employees and employers have under this new Labour Law.

Your employment contract is the cornerstone of your relationship with your employer, outlining your rights, responsibilities, and the terms of engagement. In Oman, employment contracts are regulated by the Omani Labour Law, which establishes a legal framework to ensure equitable and transparent employment practices. In this blog, we delve into key aspects of your employment contract, as specified in Part 3 of the Labour Law.

In the intricate and diverse fabric of Oman’s legal system, there are certain prohibitions that you might not immediately recognise as criminal offences. From the protection of animal welfare to regulations governing digital privacy, the laws of Oman cover a broad range of unique rules and prohibitions that underline the nation’s dedication to order, respect, and responsibility. This article aims to shed light on these often overlooked areas of Omani law. We delve into offences that, while less known, carry significant penalties, from hefty fines to potential jail time. Whether you’re a local or a foreigner residing or intending to visit the country, gaining an understanding of these legal complexities can help foster respect for Oman’s rich legal heritage and ensure a smoother stay within the nation’s borders. So, buckle up as we explore these intriguing facets of Omani law, unearthing the surprising responsibilities, prohibitions, and penalties that they carry.

Being at the top of the hierarchy of laws and regulations in Oman, familiarizing yourself with the Basic Statute of the State, i.e. the constitution, is very critical. This document sets the foundational legal framework that defines the principles, structure, and governance of Oman. Without knowledge of the Basic Statute of the State, no lawyer can reasonably interpret laws effectively, contribute to the legal system, uphold rights and freedoms, or engage in legal discussions. This blog post outlines five key points that everybody needs to know about the Basic Statute of the State.

As more Omanis complete their law degrees in the UK and other common law jurisdictions, it becomes important for them to know the key laws that they should familiarise themselves with as they make the shift from academic life to professional life. This post outlines the laws that I have personally found to be extremely important in my journey in learning about the Omani legal system.

Instead of doing our usual monthly digest, we are starting the year 2023 with a reflection on the most significant royal decrees that were issued in the year 2022: