Frequently Asked Questions

1 The Two Contracts & Legal Standing

Why are there two contracts — the SOMS contract and the MOL/OJT contract?+

You hold a SOMS employment contract and an OJT contract registered with the Ministry of Labour (MOL). The SOMS contract is your permanent employment agreement and covers the full terms of your job; the OJT contract is the training registration with the Ministry. Both remain valid and apply together, unless the terms and conditions of employment are in the employee’s favour in the SOMS contract and are not against the Oman Labour Law.

If the two contracts differ, which one takes precedence?+

Both contracts are applicable. Where there is any difference, Oman Labour Law takes precedence, unless the terms and conditions of employment are in the employee’s favour in the SOMS contract and are not against the Oman Labour Law.

In the event of a dispute, which contract is the legal point of reference?+

Both contracts apply, and Oman Labour Law is the overriding legal reference.

Why is the OJT contract two years when company contracts are usually longer?+

SOMS employment contracts are generally one year and renewable, as a limited-term contract per Company Policy and the Oman Labour Law, rather than fixed three-year terms. The OJT registration runs for its own defined period, and your continued employment is governed by your renewable SOMS contract.

2 Your Role & Scope of Work

Is my scope of work clearly defined?+

Yes. Your scope of work and responsibilities are set out in your SOMS employment contract and job description, which is the permanent contract.

My job title in the MOL contract doesn’t match what I actually do. Is that a problem?+

Your actual role and scope of work are covered in your SOMS contract and job description. As part of the upskilling strategy, roles are expected to develop over time, so titles may change as your responsibilities grow. This will be reflected in the job title on the MOL contract to match the responsibilities given, as per the available MOL job titles.

My MOL contract shows office-based (5/2) work and doesn’t mention TAR / field work. Is field work covered?+

Yes. Field work and TAR arrangements are covered in your SOMS contract.

3 Employment Security & the OPAL Contract

Is my employment linked to the OPAL contract?+

Yes. Your SOMS contract is linked to the OPAL contract, as per the agreement between OPAL and SOMS. If the contract is ever transferred to a new contractor, employees transfer with it, as per the new agreement with the new contractor.

What happens to me if the company loses or doesn’t renew the OPAL contract?+

This is covered in your SOMS contract, which is linked to OPAL. In the event of a change, employees are transferred to the new contractor rather than losing their employment, as per the Oman Labour Law.

Will I have to repay anything if I withdraw from or leave the contract?+

Any financial obligation applies only in limited circumstances. If the contract owner changes, employees can be transferred and continue their employment, which is the priority.

4 Salary, Allowances & Increments

Is the basic salary competitive?+

Yes. The basic salary is consistent between the SOMS and MOL contracts and is in line with market rates for the role. There are many opportunities for career growth within this initiative.

Are there allowances for site hazards, field work, shifts, or weather conditions?+

Yes. These allowances are clearly defined in your SOMS employment contract, which is the contract that applies in practice.

Does the annual increment still apply under OJT?+

The annual increment is referenced in the SOMS contract. Its application under the OJT arrangement is as per the Oman Labour Law.

What about the training stipend / MOL funding?+

The training stipend forms part of your salary.

5 Leave & Time Off

My OJT contract shows only 15 days of annual leave. Which applies?+

Your annual leave follows Oman Labour Law, and your SOMS contract provides 30 days. The 15-day figure on the OJT registration does not reduce your entitlement.

Does the company need to notify the MOL before approving my leave?+

No. Normal SOMS leave policy is followed; there is no requirement to notify the Ministry before approving your leave.

Is emergency leave and sick leave covered?+

Yes. Emergency and sick leave are covered under normal SOMS HR policy and Oman Labour Law.

Are rest or recovery days provided after completing a project?+

Rest days are provided in line with company policy.

6 Social Insurance (PASI) & Medical Cover

Will joining OJT affect my PASI or social insurance?+

Your social insurance is handled by the company. The arrangement is designed so that your registration and contributions continue normally.

If the contract is registered with a backdated start, who pays the retroactive social insurance deductions?+

This is handled by the company. The company will manage the PASI payments, and the employee portion will be matched accordingly. The detailed treatment of the backdated period is being confirmed.

Who is responsible for social insurance for the period before my contract was completed (e.g. starting in April)?+

The liability for that period is shared between the company and the employee. The employee’s portion will be recovered in the normal way, recognising that any delay in completing the procedures was not the employee’s fault.

Will I receive an individual medical insurance card?+

Medical cover is provided in line with SOMS company policy.

7 Banking & Documentation

Is the OJT contract accepted by banks for loans and financing?+

Yes. SOMS can issue a supporting letter as needed. The OJT contract will not negatively affect your loan applications or financing.

Can I get documentation showing employment stability for the bank?+

Yes. The company can provide an employment stability letter for banking and long-term financial purposes.

8 Career Growth & MOL Notifications

What is the “competitive opportunity” clause, and do I need MOL approval to move jobs?+

Because this is a training-funded contract, the Ministry needs to be informed when a trainee gains full-time employment, as the training stipend no longer applies at that point. SOMS aims to place all employees into full-time roles on won contracts, with an incremental package increase. A notification for the change from OJT to full-time employment will be given as per the Oman Labour Law.

Will the company give assurances about the contract conditions?+

Yes. The company will provide assurances. All financial liabilities are set out in the contract and applied on a pro-rata basis.

9 Site, Accommodation & Equipment

The safety shoes provided aren’t comfortable. Can they be reviewed?+

Yes. New safety footwear (Red Wing) has been ordered.

What accommodation is provided, especially at remote sites?+

While on site, normal accommodation is provided, and site conditions are to industry standard. As permanent contracts are secured, employees will also be better placed to find suitable accommodation near their work location.

What about living allowances and support services at remote sites?+

Normal SOMS remote living allowances apply, and company or client accommodation is provided as per SOMS policy.

10 Before You Sign

Can I review the employment contract before I accept it?+

Yes. A draft copy of the employment contract is available for you to review before acceptance — please ask the HR team.