Latest news with #RashidbinHamadalBalushi
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
OHRC launches guide to boost legal compliance in Oman
Muscat – Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched a multilingual guide outlining the rights of private sector workers on Sunday in a move aimed at boosting legal awareness and promoting workplace justice. Released under the patronage of H E Dr Mahad bin Saeed bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour, the guide is available in six languages – Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla and Tagalog – to ensure accessibility across Oman's diverse expatriate workforce. The publication is part of wider efforts to enhance Oman's human rights framework and reaffirm its commitment to international labour conventions. It seeks to build a work environment grounded in equality, legal compliance and respect for human dignity. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC, said the guide addresses the growing need for clarity on rights and obligations under the Omani Labour Law. 'This guide provides a detailed explanation of key worker rights, including the requirement for a written employment contract, a copy of which must be given to the employee,' Balushi said. 'It also affirms the prohibition on employers from retaining workers' passports or personal documents without written consent, outlaws all forms of forced or compulsory labour, and guarantees equality among workers regardless of gender, language, religion, race or social status.' The guide outlines entitlements such as weekly rest, annual and sick leave, overtime pay, end-of-service benefits and safety regulations. It includes provisions related to first aid, medical care, accommodation, transportation and meals where applicable. Workers are entitled to file complaints and grievances through established legal channels, the guide notes. It includes official contact points for both employees and employers seeking support or clarification.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
OHRC launches guide for workforce rights
MUSCAT: Oman Human Rights Commission on Sunday launched the 'Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide' in six languages, aimed at raising legal awareness among both workers and employers, promoting a culture of legal compliance, and fostering justice and respect in the workplace. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. This publication reinforces Oman's positive record in human rights and affirms its commitment to relevant international conventions, while establishing a work environment based on principles of justice, equality and dignity. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, stated that the launch of the Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide addresses a genuine need among labour stakeholders to understand the rights and obligations stipulated in Oman's Labour Law. He explained that the guide provides a comprehensive overview of key rights for private sector workers, including the requirement for a written employment contract (with a copy provided to the worker), the prohibition of employers retaining passports or personal documents without written consent, the ban on all forms of forced labour, and the guarantee of equality without discrimination based on gender, language, religion, colour, or social status. It also outlines workers' rights to file complaints and grievances through approved channels. The guide details regulations on working hours, annual/sick leave, weekly rest periods, overtime, end-of-service benefits, termination certificates, and occupational health and safety provisions — including first aid, medical care, housing, transportation and meals where applicable. Published in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla and Filipino, the guide ensures accessibility for expatriate and resident workers of diverse nationalities. It also lists official communication channels for workers and employers to engage with relevant authorities. The launch of the guide aligns with Articles 10 and 11 of the Commission's statute (promulgated by Royal Decree No 57/2022) to advance human rights protection in Oman, while serving as a vital tool to enhance workplace efficiency and community engagement. The multilingual initiative reflects international standards such as Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights right to "just and favourable working conditions" and ILO Convention No 111 on Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation. Structured in three sections, the guide covers worker/employer rights, obligations and prohibitions; General guidelines, and communication means with the Oman Human Rights Commission. — ONA
Muscat Daily
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman joins Islamic Human Rights meet in Iran
Tehran, Iran – The Oman Human Rights Commission, led by its Chair, Professor Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, participated in the First International Conference on Human Rights from an Eastern Perspective, held in Tehran and Qom, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The conference was organised by Baqir al Olum University in collaboration with the Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation under Iran's Ministry of Culture. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from national human rights institutions, regional and international bodies, as well as academics and researchers specialising in human rights. Aimed at presenting a comprehensive Eastern perspective on human rights, the conference drew upon the deep cultural and civilisational traditions of Islamic and Eastern societies. It sought to promote values and principles rooted in Eastern civilisations as an alternative to dominant Western human rights frameworks. Discussions centred on the need for an Eastern approach to human rights, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing global challenges, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The event also examined historical and cultural experiences across various countries, prospects for regional cooperation, and the philosophical, cultural, and social foundations of Eastern human rights concepts. Professor Balushi presented a scholarly paper highlighting the importance of hosting such a conference from an Eastern standpoint, especially in light of current global issues. He also shed light on Oman's historical and cultural contributions to the field of human rights. The Commission's delegation also included Plenipotentiary Minister Aqil bin Alawi Ba Omar, a Commission member, and Hassan bin Ahmed al Ajmi from the Commission's Technical Secretariat.
