6 IMPORTANT CLAUSES TO CHECK ON YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-racking. With the heightened emotions, you can sometimes not be as vigilant as you should be when it comes to signing your contract.

Once you sign your employment contract, you are legally bound by all its clauses, so it’s extremely important to read every single word in it. Make sure you are okay with everything stipulated in there and that there’s no incorrect or missing information.

Laws can differ greatly between countries, so it’s your duty to know exactly what you’re agreeing to. In Oman, Iif the contract is in English, it has to be accompanied by an Arabic version. Here are some things that need to be on your contract.

1. The basics

As with any contract, the identities of the two parties must be clearly stated. Your contract should state: the name of your employer, the name of the establishment, the location of employment, your name, your date of birth, your passport number, your place of residence and your nationality

2. Job designation

The nature and type of work you’ll be doing should be mentioned in there. Additionally, your start date and the period of the contract should be stated clearly. If unlimited, then it should state so.

3. Wages

The basic salary, any allowances and benefits you’ll be entitled to should be listed. The time and frequency of when you’ll receive your salary should also be included.

4. Probation

According to the Oman labour law, probation cannot exceed three months if you receive your salary monthly, and one month for others. Additionally, you can only undergo one probationary period by the same employer.

Note that either party can terminate the contract during the probation by giving a week’s notice.

5. Termination of contract

The contract should state the notice period given by either you or the employer when either party wishes to end the contract. For unlimited contracts, the notice period stipulated in the law is 30 days for employees who receive their salaries monthly, and 15 days for others. However, the employer can require a longer notice in the contract.

Keep in mind that failure to give this notice period will mean that the party terminating the contract has to pay the other the equivalent of the gross salary of the notice period or what’s remaining of it.

6. Non-compete

Most companies will include a non-compete clause to prevent you from working for one of their competitors. Make sure to check the scope of the restriction and the duration of it.

Non-compete provisions can prevent you from doing a specific type of work within a certain period and/or area. The restriction cannot be so broad that it includes all types of work everywhere and at any time.