Executive Summary

The Minister of Labour has issued Decree No. 162 of 2026 establishing a comprehensive framework governing the preparation, approval, implementation and updating of workplace regulations for establishments employing ten or more employees. The Decree significantly expands the scope of workplace regulations beyond traditional matters such as working hours, leave and disciplinary measures, requiring them to address a broader range of employment and HR-related matters, including recruitment, training, performance assessment, remuneration, flexible and remote working, grievances, investigations, workplace protection and termination procedures.

The Decree also introduces detailed procedural requirements for the submission and certification of workplace regulations by the competent Labour Directorate, while expressly protecting employees’ existing statutory, contractual and established rights and benefits. It further establishes specific safeguards governing workplace investigations and disciplinary measures and requires employers to periodically review and update their regulations in light of legislative and regulatory developments.

Key Highlights

• Expanded Scope of Workplace Regulations: Employers with ten or more employees must adopt regulations covering a comprehensive range of employment and HR matters, including recruitment, training, performance assessment, remuneration, working arrangements, grievances, disciplinary procedures and termination.
• Protection of Acquired Rights: Workplace regulations may not diminish rights or benefits already granted to employees. Where provisions conflict with applicable law, employment contracts or collective agreements, the provisions providing greater benefits to employees will prevail.
• Formal Approval and Certification Procedure: The Decree establishes a structured process for submitting workplace regulations to the competent Labour Directorate, including consultation with the relevant trade union organisation or employees’ authorised representative and defined periods for review and approval.
• Detailed Investigation and Disciplinary Safeguards: The Decree imposes specific procedural requirements concerning the commencement and completion of investigations, disciplinary time limits, employees’ right to defence and the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.
• Workplace Protection: Workplace regulations must address and prohibit forced or compulsory labour, harassment, bullying, violence and discrimination and establish procedures for receiving and investigating related complaints.
• Recognition of Modern Working Arrangements: Flexible, remote and other non-traditional working arrangements must be regulated where applicable, including working hours, performance obligations, monitoring and assessment mechanisms.
• Periodic Review and Updating: Employers are required to review their workplace regulations and related policies periodically and amend them where necessary, subject to preserving acquired rights and following the applicable certification process.

Areas / Sectors Affected

• Labour & Employment
• Employment & HR Policies
• Workplace Regulations & Compliance
• Employee Relations
• Disciplinary Procedures & Investigations
• Workplace Protection & Anti-Harassment
• Remote & Flexible Working
• Employment Disputes
• Corporate & HR Governance