Oman New Law: Oman’s new decree, now if you take bribe in a private job, you will be jailed up to 5 years

The Government of Oman has taken very strict measures to stop corruption. Now under the new law, strict action will be taken against those taking bribe in private sector. This rule has been implemented through Royal Decree 66/2026 so that honesty and transparency are maintained in the functioning of the country.

Royal Decree 66/2026 was issued on 23 June 2026 and published in the Official Gazette on 28 June 2026. This law has now been fully implemented. Under this new change, Article 146 of the Labor Law (Royal Decree 53/2023) has been removed. Now cases related to bribery will be looked into under a new chapter of the Penal Code.

Who will be affected and what are the rules

This law will apply to private companies, institutions and international organizations operating in Oman. This includes company owners, board members and common employees. If an employee takes any gift, promise or any kind of benefit in return for his duty, he will be considered a criminal by law.

• Common Bribery: Taking or demanding bribe in return for duty will result in a jail term of 1 to 3 years and a fine.
• Serious cases: If the employee has misused his position, the punishment can be from 3 years to 5 years.
• Attempt to bribe: If someone tries to give a bribe, even if the other person refuses to accept it, the giver can be jailed for 3 months to 1 year.
• Middlemen: Middlemen who help in accepting bribes will also get the same punishment as the main accused.

When will you get relief from punishment?

The government has also kept an exemption path for those who admit their mistake. If a criminal comes forward and confesses his crime before the authorities detect him, he may be exempted from punishment. At the same time, if a confession is made after the investigation has started, it can be seen as a basis for reducing the punishment.

This rule is only for private sector and international organizations. Government employees and people in government-owned companies will remain within the ambit of corruption laws already applicable to public officials.