Latest news with #Baowain
Observer
20-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Key forum explores labour market future policy directions
The Government Communication Centre hosted the third session of its 'Dialogue for Communication' series, focusing on labour and employment policies in Oman. Held on Wednesday, March 19, at the Ministry of Information Theatre in Media City, the session featured Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, who addressed national workforce strategies, Omanisation efforts and employment challenges. The dialogue provided a platform for direct engagement between decision-makers and the public, highlighting key labour market developments and future policy directions. During the session, Dr Baowain shared insights into the composition of Oman's workforce, particularly within the trade sector, where the total number of workers stands at approximately 1.6 million. He explained that while some businesses require long-term employment contracts, others—particularly in certain service industries—operate with short-term employment models. One of the key distinctions he made was between professional, semi-professional, and technical roles, noting that there is no classification for 'unskilled professions,' but rather 'basic professions', which generate lower revenue. Small businesses, such as local coffee shops and other service-oriented enterprises, typically employ a handful of expatriate workers with limited financial turnover. Excluding these businesses from broader employment statistics, the workforce would shrink from 1.1 million to 500,000 in specific sectors. Dr Baowain emphasised that large Omani companies, specifically the 700 firms employing over 150 staff members, account for a significant share of national employment. These firms collectively employ 180,000 Omanis and 200,000 expatriates. However, he noted that while Omanisation remains a priority, the process of workforce replacement is complex. He clarified that replacing expatriate workers is not a straightforward process, as many roles require specialised skills, job-specific experience, and established workflows that companies have developed over time. 'Some may think it is easy to replace expatriates, but in reality, it involves multiple factors, including job responsibilities and the overall structure of a company,' he stated. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Labour engages in dialogue sessions and workshops to ensure transparency and support businesses in gradual workforce transitions. Looking ahead to 2025, Dr Baowain outlined employment projections for both government and private sectors. He stated that most government-sector roles are temporary positions tied to financial grades and availability. Meanwhile, in the private sector, Omanisation efforts are progressing through initiatives such as the 11,000 training-to-employment opportunities that are currently being developed, some of which are linked to workforce localisation. On the issue of minimum wage policies, the Minister clarified that the existing framework is not a salary scale or direct employment mechanism but rather a protective measure for the labour market. Salaries below a certain threshold require formal contractual agreements, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation. However, the final structure of these regulations remains under review, with ongoing discussions evaluating their economic and financial impact. As Oman continues to develop its workforce policies, the insights shared in the third 'Dialogue for Communication' session highlighted the balancing act between economic realities, workforce nationalisation, and business sustainability. With continued dialogue between government, businesses, and workers, the focus remains on creating a dynamic, inclusive and future-ready labour market.
Observer
18-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Major strategy to boost job creation: Baowain
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at boosting employment opportunities, enhancing workplace efficiency and integrating digital solutions into human resource management. Announced during the Ministry's annual conference under the theme 'Governed Environment: Sustainable Economy,' the ambitious operational plan for 2025 aims to unlock 45,000 job opportunities, among other initiatives designed to strengthen Oman's labour market and empower its workforce. Speaking to the Observer, Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, said, 'Many job seekers need professional development, vocational education, career pathways and technical training. They need guidance, mentorship and the skills necessary to integrate into the workforce effectively. If they are not adequately prepared, they won't be able to interact with employers and the work environment.' The Ministry's strategy is a multi-faceted employment plan that targets both job creation and skills development. Dr Baowain revealed that the 2025 plan will provide training and qualification opportunities for 11,000 job seekers, 10,000 government job placements and 24,000 employment opportunities in the private sector. The Ministry is also focusing on on-the-job training, employment-linked training programmes and wage support, ensuring that Omani job seekers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in diverse fields. Special emphasis is being placed on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups and self-employment, in alignment with Oman's broader economic diversification goals. To improve government efficiency and workplace culture, the Ministry has introduced the 'Individual Excellence' system across 67 government entities, incorporating 45 new features designed to enhance performance evaluation and the overall work experience. A new government unit evaluation system has also been launched, measuring operational efficiency, leadership standards and employee satisfaction. These measures aim to ensure greater transparency, productivity and a positive work environment in the public sector. A key pillar of the Ministry's agenda is the integration of digital solutions into human resource management. The Ministry has secured funding for the pilot phase of the 'Smart Management' project, which is being developed in partnership with the private sector. Additionally, three experimental applications will be launched to explore artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, improve visual identity branding and create a comprehensive knowledge base for the labour sector. The 'Waiting List' initiative, another innovative programme, is designed to facilitate intelligent job matching through smart digital systems. Dr Baowain reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to adopting global best practices in digital transformation, ensuring that Oman's labour market remains competitive, efficient and adaptable to future challenges. The National Employment Programme (NEP) was a major highlight of the conference, as it aims to align educational outputs with labour market demands through comprehensive data analysis, sector-based governance and innovative policy reforms. Employment Governance Committees have been established in 17 key economic sectors, including food security, tourism, logistics, IT, energy, healthcare, sports, education, media and financial services. These committees will work towards sector-specific Omanisation strategies, ensuring that qualified Omanis take up leadership and technical roles in priority industries. Additionally, the NEP has introduced a suite of digital tools to improve labour market efficiency. The 'Tawteen' platform serves as a job-matching tool linking job seekers with employers across various industries, while the 'Marsad' platform provides real-time labour market insights to policymakers. Meanwhile, the 'Khuta' platform is Oman's first national career guidance portal, designed to help young Omanis make informed career decisions. The Omanisation of leadership roles is a top priority for the Ministry, he said. As part of this initiative, 2,800 mid-level and executive positions have been successfully Omanised across the country's industrial zones in collaboration with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn).
