Saturday 21 / February / 2026
Oman’s Labour Law, issued under Royal Decree 53/2023, establishes comprehensive protections for juvenile workers, ensuring their rights are safeguarded while allowing them to gain work experience in a safe environment. The law defines a juvenile worker as any person who has reached the age of 15 but has not reached the age of 18 years old and sets clear rules for their employment.
In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, explained that “the law places strict conditions on employing juveniles. No one under 15 may work in any capacity. Working hours are limited to 06 hours per day, and they cannot work between 06 in the evening and 06 in the morning. They are also prohibited from working overtime, on weekly rest days, or during official holidays.”
“Before employment begins, employers must obtain consent from the juvenile’s guardian and ensure the worker passes a medical examination to confirm fitness for the job. These medical checks must be repeated periodically. Employers must also maintain a register listing all juvenile workers with their ages and start dates, and inform the ministry about them,” he said.
Dr. Mohammed noted that “the law also requires employers to display work schedules showing juvenile working hours and rest periods. Violations of these protections result in penalties, ensuring employers take their responsibilities seriously.”
“These protections aim to balance a young person’s right to work with their need for education, rest, and healthy development. By setting clear rules on working hours, rest periods, and medical checks, Oman’s Labour Law creates a safe path for juveniles to enter the workforce while shielding them from exploitation and harmful working conditions,” he concluded.
* (Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established on 14th December 2006 and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. 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).
