This is applicable to both nationals and residents who are employed in various commercial houses across the Sultanate. Sultan Adim al Shereiqi, Director of Labour Inspection at the Ministry of manpower told the Observer that inspections will be intensified and strict actions will be taken against offenders.
"We have more than 160 inspectors who make it a point to visit these commercial houses to ensure that the timings are being followed in accordance with the provisions of the Law". He also mentioned that the department is a highly people-friendly and no single employer will be harassed or bothered. According to Articles 81 to 86 in the Chapter ‘Employment of Women’ in the Omani Labour Law, "All provisions regulating the employment of workers shall be applicable to women workers without discrimination in the same work".
This chapter further mentions that "Women should not be asked to work between 7 pm and 6 am except under such circumstances or occasions as may be specified in the decision of the minister". The ministry has, in accordance with the Law, taken a decision in this regard and has exempted some sectors including public service sectors and places of social importance such as airport where women can be employed at night on roster basis making sure that they are given proper rest and off days and pay.
Responding to the new move, one of the management executives from a leading departmental store whom we spoke to expressed his concern saying “as the cashiering women are to go early in the evening, this will demand employment of some casual employees which will pose extra financial burden. This doesn’t seem to be feasible for us unless alternative arrangements are made”. But the ministry official confirmed to us that their concerns will be properly addressed.
Article 84 of the Omani Labour Law further states that “No woman employee shall be dismissed for her absence due to illness which is of valid grounds where a medical certificate validates her absence. This can be attributed to childbirth as well and the period of absence shall not exceed more than 6 months. The Law also stipulates that “An employer who employs more than one or more women workers should keep a copy of “Regulations of employment of Women” visible in their premises.
