Job Discussion Forums

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:45 am Post subject:

There's a big problem now in Oman if you do a runner as it would mean non-completion of contract and therefore the two year no return law would kick in. Not important if you don't want to stay in Oman but a problem if it's just the employer you don't like and not the country.

Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

True. It's well known that recruitment agencies are charging now to "release" teachers.

NOC for sale: OMR2,000 price tag for No Objection Certificate in Oman

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/46473/Article-NOC-for-sale-OMR2-000-price-tag-for-No-Objection-Certificate-in-Oman

Seems financially more sensible to line up some work and do a runner to another country.

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:02 am Post subject:

Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

omanoman · Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 140

Before this point gets canonized into Daves forum lore , I feel compelled to add to the thread.

The Times article you quote as evidence of the new norm in employment conditions in Oman is hardly cause for alarm. The story originates from the rumor mill it seems and is entirely related to Asian expats in blue collar work. I challenge any teacher here to find an example of a college administration selling NOC's on the side. How foolish would that be?

The NOC issue is a big problem, no doubt and it seems now that the recruiters are not willing to give it, at least Hawthorn in my personal experience - stories from my network so not 100% reliable but pretty safe.

And if someone gives proper notice, why would they not get paid? Is the employer so unscrupulous as to challenge a clear labor law violation? or is this just more spurious fear mongering from forum grumps?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 1:34 am Post subject:

Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 4:35 am Post subject:

omanoman · Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 140

Absolutely it is a legal requirement and everyone who works in Oman knows about that - how are you not aware of it? It is very clear in the law. Doesn't have to be even mentioned in a contract since the labor law is the bare minimum and will always stand. Contracts can offer more than legal benefits but not less.

The way that every employer mitigates the gratuity cost is by parsing salary packages into "allowances" since the gratuity is based only on "basic" salary. For a total package of, say 1300, the basic salary will likely only be 600-700 rials, the rest is under the categories of travel, housing, utilities, blah blah blah allowances. So, with a basic salary of 700 rials, the first year of employment is worth half of that, same for the second and third years. The fourth year is full basic. So, if you worked for 4 years, you would receive half plus half plus half plus full basic salary as a gratuity - 350 X 3 plus 700 = 1750. That would be the minimum.

Of course, some employers, not in our industry I don't think, offer full gross salary as a gratuity.

omanoman · Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 140

It would be nice I think if this link could be posted as a "sticky" on this board - does anyone know how to ask for that? If not, google " oman labor law" and behold !

Download labour law
https://www.manpower.gov.om/portal/en/pdf/toc_en.pdf
Article (1): The provisions of the attached Labour Law shall be enforced, .... availability of the necessary Omani workers, shall be determined by a decision of the ...

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 8:06 am Post subject:

Some employers, Hawthorn as an example give the full months basic salary from year one.

omanoman · Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 140

well, there's a perk. Can always get more than the law requires but not less.

Whatever will Be - check the link to the law and see where you stand on your rights. The English version can be vague in places but otherwise the legal clauses are pretty clear.

The only alternative that I have heard about and has been discussed here on another thread, is the option for an employer to pay you the gratuity amount pro-rata as part of the monthly package. That would save some cash flow burdens at the end of the year, certainly.