What does the law say about the notice period in Oman?
The notice period in Oman is set by Article 38 of the Oman Labour Law issued by Royal Decree 53/2023 (the 2023 Labour Law). It applies to a contract with no end date. Either side may end it with written notice, "based on a legitimate reason".
| Who you are | Notice in writing |
|---|---|
| Paid by the month | At least 30 days |
| Paid any other way (weekly, daily, by the piece) | At least 15 days |
| On probation | At least 7 days (Article 37) |
| Fixed-term contract, employer does not renew | At least a month (Article 36(5)) |
Your contract can ask for a longer notice. It cannot give you less than the law.
- 1Write the resignation letter
- 2Hand it over and keep a signed copy
- 3Work the notice days
- 4Collect your final settlement
What happens if you do not serve the notice?
The side that ends the contract without notice pays the other side the wage for the notice days. Article 38 says this pay is worked out on the last gross wage, so allowances count, not only the basic. The rule works both ways: a worker who walks out owes it, and an employer who sends a worker home at once owes it.
A day's wage is the monthly wage ÷ 30, because the law counts a month as 30 days (Article 1(24)).
Example 1: you leave early. Your gross wage is OMR 600 (basic 400). You owe 30 days of notice and work only 10.
- A day of gross wage: 600 ÷ 30 = OMR 20.
- Days not served: 30 − 10 = 20.
- Pay in lieu of notice you owe: 20 × 20 = OMR 400.
Example 2: the employer ends your contract the same day. Same wage, no notice given.
- Notice owed to you: 30 days × OMR 20 = OMR 600, on top of your other dues.
Work out your final settlement with notice pay →
Does notice run while you are on leave?
No. If the employer gives you notice while you are on leave, the notice starts the day after your leave ends (Article 39). During the employer's notice you may also take 10 paid hours a week to look for a new job.
How does notice work during probation?
Probation can last up to 3 months for monthly paid staff and up to 2 months for others, and only once with the same employer (Article 37). Either side can end the contract during probation with 7 days notice. The probation months count as service only if you pass probation.
The law text does not say clearly whether a worker who leaves during probation gets any gratuity, so we give no number. Ask the Ministry of Labour before you rely on one.
Do you lose gratuity on resignation in Oman?
No. Article 61 pays gratuity when the work ends, whoever ends it. There is no cut for resigning and no one year minimum. Some websites still show the old reduced rates or a one year rule from the 2003 law, which no longer applies.
The amount depends on your service and basic wage. Use the Oman gratuity calculator for yours. Omani nationals insured with the Social Protection Fund get their end of service benefit from the Fund instead.
When can you leave without notice?
Article 41 lets a worker leave without serving the notice, after telling the employer, and keep all rights including gratuity, when:
- the employer or the employer's representative cheated you when the contract was made
- your wage has not been paid for more than 2 months in a row, or the employer does not carry out the basic duties under the law or your contract
- the employer or the employer's representative did an immoral act against you
- the employer or the employer's representative assaulted you
- there is a serious danger to your safety or health at work and the employer knew about it
Keep proof of each case, such as bank statements that show the missing wages.
When can the employer fire you without notice?
Article 40 lists 9 cases where the employer may dismiss you with no notice and no gratuity. One that catches people out is absence: more than 7 days in a row or 10 separate days in a year without a legitimate reason, after a written warning for the separate days case. Read the full list of 9 cases in Article 40 before you sign any warning letter.
If the employer fires you for no legitimate reason, you can complain within 30 days (Article 10). The court can award compensation of 3 to 12 months of gross wage (Article 11). Redundancy has its own rule: 3 months notice (Article 46).
When must your final dues be paid?
The employer must pay all dues at once when the contract ends, and within 7 days if you are the one who left (Article 91). The employer may deduct only debts you are proven to owe (Article 96). You are also entitled to a free service certificate (Article 62) and to a ticket home within 60 days if you are not Omani (Article 14).
If the employer does not pay, go to the Ministry of Labour first. It has 30 days to settle the case before it goes to court, and a claim is lost one year after the right fell due (Article 9).
Your final dues usually add up four parts: unpaid wages, unused leave, gratuity and any notice pay. The Oman final settlement calculator adds them together, and the Oman leave salary calculator shows the leave part on its own.
Mistakes people make
- Quoting the old law. The 2003 law, with its 15 day rate and one year minimum, does not apply to service after the 2023 law came in.
- Using the basic wage for notice pay. Article 38 uses the last gross wage.
- Resigning by phone or WhatsApp only. The law asks for written notice. Keep a copy signed by the employer.
- Forgetting the 7 day probation notice. Leaving during probation still needs 7 days.
- Walking out over late pay too soon. For unpaid wages, Article 41 needs more than 2 months in a row.
This is an estimate under the published law, not legal advice. Your employer, the Ministry of Labour or a court gives the final figure.
Questions people ask about notice period in Oman
What is the notice period in Oman for monthly paid staff? At least 30 days in writing, unless your contract asks for more (Article 38). Others need at least 15 days.
Can I resign without notice in Oman? Yes, but you then owe the employer the gross wage for the notice days you did not work. You keep your gratuity. In the Article 41 cases you owe nothing.
Is pay in lieu of notice on basic or gross salary? On the last gross wage (Article 38), so allowances count.
How long is notice during probation in Oman? 7 days, from either side (Article 37).
Can my employer refuse my resignation? The law gives the right to end an open contract with notice and a legitimate reason. It does not give the employer a right to refuse. If you have a fixed-term contract and leave early, the law gives no set formula, so read your contract or ask the Ministry of Labour.
Sources
- Royal Decree 53/2023 issuing the Labour Law, English translation on decree.om (Articles 1, 9, 10, 11, 14, 36 to 41, 46, 61, 62, 91, 96)
- The same law in Arabic on qanoon.om
- Ministry of Labour, Oman
This guide is general information, checked in November 2026. Rules can change, so confirm with the Ministry of Labour.