Shura's panel discusses halting job security benefit for laid-off workers
Discussions focused on the social and economic impact of halting the benefit provided by the Social Protection Fund, particularly to individuals whose living conditions have deteriorated as a result. The committee members emphasised the urgent need to resume the disbursement of this benefit to alleviate hardship and ensure psychological and social stability for affected citizens.
The committee called for immediate practical steps from the relevant authorities to resolve the issue.
This includes involving local governorates in the process and promoting decentralisation in employment decisions and redundancy-related matters—allowing for faster, region-specific solutions aligned with local needs.
Members also stressed the importance of providing employment opportunities that match the qualifications and professional experience of laid-off workers. They highlighted the need for programmes that support their requalification and reintegration into the labour market in a way that preserves dignity and secures financial and emotional well-being.
Additionally, the committee underscored the necessity of building a comprehensive, up-to-date database of job seekers and laid-off individuals to guide the development of future policies and national employment strategies.
As part of potential solutions, the committee explored amending existing legislation or introducing new legal proposals to enhance protections for the national workforce.
They also discussed allocating specific vacancies within government institutions and state-owned enterprises for laid-off workers.
The discussion included the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Omanisation policy by replacing expatriate-held roles with qualified national personnel, as well as raising the cost of hiring foreign workers in the private sector to incentivise employers to recruit Omanis.
In conclusion, the committee stressed the need for a comprehensive and long-term approach to address the issue of workforce layoffs, starting with tackling the root causes rather than merely responding to consequences. This includes overcoming legal and administrative barriers and establishing a national action plan that ensures social justice and employment stability for all citizens.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
7 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Workshop discusses ways to reduce natural disasters
Salalah: A two-day workshop titled 'Risk and Disaster Reduction' kicked off at Sultan Qaboos Youth Compound for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah on Wednesday. The workshop is organised by the Environment Authority in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)'s Regional Office for Arab States. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, and attended by a number of experts and specialists from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad. The workshop aims to enable national cadres to understand the global framework on diminishing the scope of natural disaster risks, as well as standard mechanisms for monitoring and reporting the progress made in implementing the objectives of the global framework. It includes presentations, interactive discussions and practical training on using the global system of reporting, besides highlighting the role of institutional governance in this field. Speaking at the workshop, Mamdouh Salim Al Marhoon, Director of the Environmental Emergency Center, said, 'The Sultanate of Oman is aware of the escalating challenges associated with climate change and its geographical nature. This requires the development of an integrated national system to mitigate risks, based on knowledge, proactive planning and integration among different stakeholders.' Al Marhoon affirmed Oman's commitment to implement the requirements of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. He said that this commitment is realised by adopting decisions based on accurate data, in addition to building sustainable capacities that enhance preparedness and diminish the impact of disasters on people and the environment. For her part, Noura Al Ashqar, Head of the UNDRR's Regional Office for Arab States, said, 'The Sultanate of Oman is making tangible progress toward enhancing resilience by integrating the concept of risk reduction into national policies and plans, in addition to the use of data and information in a manner that supports decision-making amid rising environmental challenges facing the region.' The opening session of the workshop included a visual presentation on the Sendai Framework, in addition to an outline of the agenda of the workshop that was presented by Mirna Abu Ata, Programme Management Officer at the UNDRR. The workshop also discusses the definition of the Sendai Framework, its goals, indicators, terminology and the extent to which the Sendai Framework is related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also deals with the global reporting system, data classification mechanisms and periodic reporting. Being the leading global reference in this field, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 seeks to limit human, material and service losses, enhance the understanding and management of risks and encourage capacity building, disaster preparedness and response to disasters when they occur. The Sendai Framework comprises seven global goals and 38 indicators to measure progress. Member states are committed to submit periodic reports via an approved electronic platform.
Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Khazaen Dry Port joins global shipping network as final container destination
Muscat: Khazaen Dry Port, a subsidiary of Asyad Group, has joined the global shipping network CMA CGM, enabling the port to become an approved final destination for receiving containers. This move enhances the port's integration with international shipping lines and opens broader horizons for local importers and exporters to benefit from a more efficient and flexible global distribution network. The port recently received its first container shipment under this global network, arriving from international ports via Sohar Port as a transit hub. Customs clearance and handling procedures were completed directly at Khazaen Port, thanks to its advanced operational readiness and cutting-edge technical infrastructure. Khazaen Dry Port offers numerous operational advantages that support local and international trade, including free storage periods of up to 14 days for loaded containers and 21 days for empty containers. It also provides advanced services for refrigerated containers, including electrical hookup and pre-trip inspection, as well as on-site food and agricultural inspection facilities, accelerating the entry of goods into local markets and enhancing supply chain efficiency. This achievement reflects the success of a strategic partnership between Asyad Group, represented by Asyad Ports and Free Zones, and the global CMA CGM Group. The service was activated through a flexible customs corridor developed in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Customs Department. This corridor allows containers to be transported using a "shipping agent's seal" without traditional customs sealing procedures, with the option of a "written financial guarantee" as an alternative to bank guarantees. This reduces costs for operators, encourages direct connectivity, and improves logistical efficiency.
Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Barka Business Centre contributes to building knowledge, innovation-based economy
Barka: The Business Centre in the Wilayat of Barka, affiliated to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Department in South Al Batinah Governorate, represents a significant addition to the entrepreneurship ecosystem. It plays a vital role in generating job opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering youth in economic development, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to establish a knowledge and innovation-driven economy. The SMEs Development Department in South Al Batinah Governorate revealed that eight small and medium enterprises are currently undergoing training at the Barka Business Centre. The Centre provides shared workspaces and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform their ideas into successful ventures. This initiative contributes to boosting local economic growth and generating new employment opportunities.
