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Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Work Forum 2025 focuses on labour market and skills economy
SALALAH: Oman's Ministry of Labour launched the 'Work Forum 2025' in Salalah on Sunday morning, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from across Oman and abroad to discuss the future of the country's labour market and the skills economy. Held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour, the forum serves as a national platform for open dialogue on employment, productivity, and workforce transformation in line with Oman Vision 2040. Over the course of the forum, 33 expert papers will be presented, addressing key challenges and opportunities in the labour market, and showcasing best practices from the region and beyond. The event convenes senior officials, business leaders, international experts, academics, and policy-makers—all focused on reimagining Oman's employment landscape in a world shaped by digital transformation, automation, and sustainability. In his opening remarks, Nasser bin Salim Al Hadhrami, Director-General of Labour in Dhofar, said: 'We are witnessing rapid shifts in labour markets worldwide. Challenges such as skill mismatches cannot be tackled in isolation. Oman recognises this and has taken decisive steps—most notably with the issuance of the new Labour Law and Social Protection Law. These reforms are not just reactive, but proactive measures rooted in global best practices and local realities.' He added that Oman is pursuing integrated strategies across education, training, employment, and legislation to future-proof its workforce and ensure decent work opportunities for all. Mohamed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Executive Office of the GCC Council of Labour Ministers, called for collective action in facing the disruptions brought by artificial intelligence, green technologies, and economic transitions. 'These changes are reshaping the very nature of work,' he said. 'It is our shared responsibility—as governments, institutions, and social partners—to rethink employment policies, skills training, and social protection models that are inclusive, forward-looking, and fair.' From the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azar Bayramov, Director-General of the OIC Labour Centre, emphasised the need for deeper bridges between national strategies and regional solidarity. 'Our goal is to achieve decent work for all,' he said. 'In line with that, we have designed targeted capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of each OIC member state. One such initiative—a training on effective leadership in occupational health and safety—will begin right after this forum here in Oman.' The forum is backed by a coalition of strategic partners, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Federation of Oman Workers, vocational colleges, and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. Key regional bodies such as the Arab Labour Organization, Arab Administrative Development Organization, and GCC labour and social affairs entities are also participating. The multi-day programme, which runs through August 14, features a student innovation exhibition, a roundtable between the Minister of Labour and private sector leaders, the Future of Work Forum, and a conference on Government Transformation and Sustainable Leadership. It concludes with a Train-the-Trainers programme on safety leadership. At its core, Labour Forum 2025 reflects Oman's national commitment to empowering human capital, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable labour market that meets the demands of tomorrow.
Observer
03-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Labour Forum 2025 opens in Salalah
The Ministry of Labour has launched Labour Forum 2025 in Salalah under the patronage of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour. More than 1,000 participants from Oman and abroad are attending the event, which aims to shape the future of Oman's labour market in line with Vision 2040. The forum features 33 working papers addressing employment challenges, skills development, new technologies, and global labour trends. Speakers include senior officials, business leaders, and international experts. 'Oman is moving forward with bold reforms to build a competitive and inclusive labour market,' said Nasser al Hadhrami, Director-General of Labour in Dhofar. The event runs until August 14, with sessions on youth innovation, government transformation, and occupational safety. Strategic partners include the Oman Chamber of Commerce, the General Federation of Oman Workers, and the Arab Labour Organization.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workers' Day in Oman: A renewed commitment to labour reform
MUSCAT, MAY 4 The Sultanate of Oman marked International Workers' Day on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with a national celebration underscoring the country's strategic labour reforms and digital transformation. Held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour, the event was organised by the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and attended by senior officials, private sector leaders, and trade union representatives. In a keynote address, GFOW Chairman Nabhan al Battashi outlined a forward-looking vision for Oman's labour movement, announcing a series of new initiatives aimed at modernising union operations, expanding legal protections, and promoting equitable employment. 'Uplifting the minimum wage is not just a demand—it is an economic and social imperative,' said Al Battashi, calling for evidence-based collaboration with national institutions to align wages with the cost of living. Among the major announcements was the launch of the Digital Trade Union Data Management System, a nationwide platform designed to unify labour data, streamline internal processes, and enhance union transparency. GFOW also unveiled I'tizaz, a new member benefits programme developed in partnership with Omani fintech company Thawani. The initiative will offer exclusive discounts for registered union members through participating private-sector partners, supporting worker wellbeing beyond the workplace. This year's ceremony also saw the introduction of the Trade Union Excellence Award, a GFOW initiative that recognises outstanding contributions by unions, public bodies, and private entities in promoting workers' rights and improving labour environments. Awards were presented in six categories, including union leadership, sectoral coordination, and institutional support. A YEAR OF UNION GROWTH GFOW's 2024 Annual Report highlighted significant gains in union formation and legal advocacy. The number of registered unions rose to 335, with Muscat leading at 161 unions, followed by North Al Batinah and Al Wusta. Sectoral federations expanded to eight, covering key fields such as oil and gas, transport, and education. The federation mediated 90 collective labour agreements across multiple sectors in 2024, achieving a resolution rate of nearly 89 per cent. It also handled 2,473 dismissal cases related to economic layoffs, bankruptcy, and delayed wages, with legal interventions resulting in a 100 per cent success rate in court rulings. Women's leadership within unions continued to strengthen, with 225 women participating in union committees and 32 involved in collective bargaining negotiations. GFOW signed a partnership with Jibreen Academy to bolster leadership and legal training for female unionists. Internationally, GFOW extended its presence at 13 global conferences and signed cooperation agreements with the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the International Transport Workers' Federation, cementing cross-border alliances and sharing best practices in labour representation. The federation also played a key role in shaping labour legislation, contributing to the Wage Protection Regulation (Decision 729/2024), Dispute Conciliation Procedures (451/2024), updated grievance and disciplinary codes, and restrictions on certain professions to enhance Omani employment opportunities. CHALLENGES AND VISION Despite notable progress, Al Battashi acknowledged persistent challenges, including gaps in workplace safety compliance and increasing economic redundancies. He reaffirmed GFOW's focus on expanding legal protections, reinforcing social dialogue, and promoting fair labour practices aligned with Oman Vision 2040. 'Social justice is the foundation of a stable economy,' he said. 'Trade unions must continue to serve not just as defenders of rights, but as partners in national development.' Sunday's celebration was not only a tribute to workers, but a signal of intent: that as Oman charts its course towards a diversified, inclusive future, labour remains at the heart of the national agenda.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman marks International Workers' Day
Muscat: The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) commemorated International Workers' Day on Sunday, 4 May 2025, held under the patronage of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour. The event brought together senior officials, representatives from the private sector, civil society organisations, and trade union leaders from across the Sultanate, alongside several journalists. The ceremony, aligned with global celebrations of International Workers' Day, highlighted the vital role of trade unions in improving workplace conditions and safeguarding the rights of employees, particularly within Oman's private sector. It also served as a platform to honour winners of the 2025 Trade Union Excellence Award and unveil strategic initiatives to advance labour representation and digital transformation. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Trade Union Excellence Award, an intellectual property of GFOW. The award recognises outstanding contributions from labour unions, government entities, private companies, and civil society institutions that support and strengthen trade unionism in Oman. The goal is to incentivise continued engagement across sectors to promote balance and social stability in the labour market. The award includes six categories: trade unions, general sectoral unions, union representatives, supportive government entities or their delegates, civil society organisations, and private sector institutions or their representatives. As part of its commitment to modernising union operations, GFOW officially launched its new Digital Trade Union Data Management System. The platform aims to streamline procedures, enhance internal communication, unify labour data nationwide, and foster transparency in union governance. Additionally, the federation unveiled a new membership benefit platform, 'I'tizaz', in partnership with Omani fintech firm Thawani, which provides exclusive offers and discounts for registered union members through affiliated private-sector partners. GFOW's 2024 Annual Report revealed notable progress in the expansion and institutional development of trade unions across Oman. The total number of registered unions reached 335 by the end of 2024, with the highest concentration in Muscat Governorate (161 unions), followed by North Al Batinah (72) and Al Wusta (48). The number of general sectoral unions increased to eight, covering critical sectors such as industry, energy, education, transport, and tourism. Throughout 2024, GFOW organised 33 training and awareness programmes, benefiting 1,559 participants. These focused on new labour legislation, occupational safety, wage protection systems, and employment rights for persons with disabilities. The report also highlighted a sharp rise in contract termination complaints. GFOW dealt with 2,473 cases of employee dismissals from 25 establishments. These cases stemmed from corporate bankruptcies, group layoffs, and delayed wage payments. The federation also handled 453 legal consultations and provided 79 direct legal interventions, all of which resulted in favourable court rulings for workers — a 100% success rate for resolved cases. In terms of collective bargaining, the federation facilitated 90 collective labour agreements in 2024 across sectors such as oil and gas, education, healthcare, construction, and services. A resolution rate of 88.9% was achieved through negotiation, with the remaining disputes referred to the courts. Women's representation in union leadership continued to grow. A total of 225 women were active in female union committees, with 32 participating in collective bargaining rounds. GFOW signed a cooperation agreement with Jibreen Academy to enhance the skills and leadership capabilities of female union members. The federation also strengthened its international presence by participating in 13 global conferences and nine specialised training programmes. These included the International Labour Conference in Geneva and the Arab Labour Conference in Baghdad. GFOW signed cooperation agreements with the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the International Transport Workers' Federation to promote best practices in labour representation and cross-border solidarity. GFOW also played an active role in monitoring and advocating for key legislative reforms. These included the Wage Protection Regulation (Decision 729/2024), Labour Dispute Conciliation Procedures (Decision 451/2024), new grievance and disciplinary codes (Decisions 618 and 619/2024), and an updated list of professions restricted to non-Omani workers. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Chief among them are inconsistent compliance with occupational safety regulations and a rising trend of economic-based layoffs. GFOW's future strategy includes expanding the scope of legal protection for workers, strengthening the role of collective bargaining, and enhancing the legislative environment to promote a fair, balanced, and productive labour market. This year's celebration of International Workers' Day served not only as a reflection of the federation's achievements but also as a reaffirmation of Oman's commitment to empowering its workforce. As the country advances towards the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, trade unions are set to remain a vital partner in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and rights-based national economy.
Observer
17-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
45,000 job opportunities for nationals this year
Muscat: Ministry of Labour reviewed its achievements for 2024 and its objectives for 2025, stressing that it is carry on with its efforts to upgrade the labour market and provide employment opportunities for nationals. Speaking at the ministry's annual press conference held on Monday, Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour, confirmed that the operational plan for 2025 targets to provide 45,000 job opportunities including 11,000 for training and qualification, 10,000 in government establishments and 24,000 in the private sector. The noted that the Ministry is focused on supporting work-related training and wage subsidies for small and medium enterprises. The ministry reviewed three projects that employ artificial intelligence to improve smart management and provide funding for the pilot phases of these projects. The conference addressed the National Employment Programme which seeks to integrate education outcomes with labour market needs with a focus on developing new technologies to improve the system such as the Tawteen (nationalization) and Khuta (steps) platforms. The Ministry underscored the role of technology in expediting the provision of job opportunities through digital tools that enhance the effectiveness of programme implementation. The ministry said it had reinforced qualitative job nationalization initiatives by employing talented Omanis in senior and middle-level positions and establishing specialized companies to support employment in vital sectors. The minister said that the ministry is developing human capital in the state's administrative apparatus as well as building national capabilities and enhancing talent management. In addition, the ministry is taking final steps in the digital transformation strategy through the implementation of the smart administration project in cooperation with the private sector. The ministry is also designing three pilot applications to test artificial intelligence solutions, creating a visual identity and knowledge base, launching a waiting list initiative promoting the best practices in the digital transformation of human resources. The minister said that the National Employment Programme seeks to find sustainable solutions to provide job opportunities in the public and private sectors and seeks to achieve integration and alignment between educational outcomes and the actual labour market requirements. The National Employment Programme has focused on ensuring the availability of the necessary enablers to achieve the desired goals of the main initiatives. Besides, a set of measures are in place to enhance support for all partners involved in the education, training, and employment systems. Text is translated by Khalid Al Kush and written by Hamdan Al Sharqi
