Latest news with #MinisterialDecisionNo
Observer
20-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
MoTCIT enacts framework for digital transformation
MUSCAT: Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), on Sunday issued Ministerial Decision No (108 /2025), enacting the Regulatory Framework for Government Digital Transformation. The framework aims to regulate governance and establish the organisational structure for the Government Digital Transformation Programme, 'Tahawul', while also defining the controls for implementation across the government sector. It sets out clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in executing digital projects and initiatives. The regulation provides a structured framework to strengthen digital governance and coordinate digital transformation efforts across government entities by clearly defining the roles, authorities and responsibilities of all concerned parties. It also promotes closer integration between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and other government entities, enabling them to implement digital projects within a unified governance model. The regulation outlines the ministry's responsibilities in overseeing the Government Digital Transformation Programme. These include setting operational pathways for the programme, identifying priority initiatives, projects and services, and preparing and issuing relevant policies, frameworks, controls and guiding manuals. The ministry is also tasked with monitoring the compliance of concerned entities, providing support across all areas of digital transformation and following up on implementation plans by developing the necessary programmes to ensure progress. The regulation also sets out the obligations of government entities in implementing digital transformation projects and initiatives. Key requirements include establishing a supervisory committee responsible for meeting digital transformation objectives, monitoring the implementation of the IT governance policy issued by the ministry and preparing and updating relevant plans. Entities must also implement approved digital initiatives, fully digitise essential services and make them available through approved digital channels. Additionally, the regulation calls for enhancing integration, facilitating access to shared digital resources and systems, encouraging community participation in the development of digital services and policymaking and ensuring that all beneficiaries including persons with disabilities and the elderly can access digital information, services and applications. - ONA
Zawya
03-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Hidden trade persists in Salalah as shops shun e-payments
SALALAH: Shoppers in the Wilayat of Salalah are increasingly being asked to transfer payments to personal bank accounts rather than using approved electronic systems—an alarming trend that may point to widespread violations of Oman's commercial regulations. Such transactions are becoming more frequent across Salalah's retail sector, according to field visits conducted by the Observer. Many of these outlets appear to be operated by expatriate workers, although they are officially registered under the names of Omani citizens. The lack of electronic payment systems and official invoices has raised serious concerns about potential breaches of Oman's anti-commercial concealment (hidden trade) laws. UNFAIR COMPETITION Ahmed Salim, a small business owner in the Wilayat of Salalah, said that unlicensed operations are undermining legitimate enterprises. 'We issue receipts, comply with tax laws, and use electronic payments. Others sidestep all of that and sell at lower prices. It's not a level playing field,' he said. He added that the situation is discouraging young Omanis from entering the retail sector. 'This kind of environment kills motivation,' he noted. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has intensified enforcement. In a recent inspection campaign, the ministry reviewed 1,528 commercial outlets within shopping centres in the governorates of Muscat and Al Batinah South. The campaign led to more than 40 violations against shops that failed to comply with Ministerial Decision No (386/2022), which mandates that retailers must offer electronic payment options to customers. Ahead of Eid, the Ministry also issued a public advisory urging consumers to report any retailer that refuses e-payments or requests money transfers via personal phone-linked accounts. Complaints can be submitted through the Tajawob platform at Regulatory framework In July 2023, the ministry introduced new regulations aimed at combating commercial concealment—defined as enabling unlicensed individuals to operate a business, either independently or in partnership. Under these regulations, offenders face fines ranging from RO 5,000 to RO 15,000, with the potential for permanent licence revocation in cases of repeated violations. Authorities have been granted broad powers to conduct unannounced inspections. Red flags include income transfers to personal accounts, false registration data, unauthorised managerial roles held by foreign workers, and the use of non-commercial bank accounts. Both citizens and residents are required to report suspected violations, while self-reporting may result in reduced penalties. Economists caution that concealed commercial practices reduce public tax revenues and hinder the government's efforts to regulate the market and create employment opportunities for Omanis. 'These shadow transactions create an informal economy that competes with the formal sector and undermines national economic policy,' one analyst observed. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS To effectively curb commercial concealment and promote fair competition, experts and business owners advocate for a comprehensive approach. This includes mandating digital payment systems across all retail outlets to ensure transactional transparency and reduce informal cash-based dealings. Authorities should also impose immediate penalties on shops that fail to issue official receipts, as the absence of documentation often signals regulatory evasion. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate consumers on their rights and encourage them to report violations. Furthermore, establishing more direct communication channels between consumers, municipal authorities, and regulators will enable faster identification and resolution of non-compliant practices. Collectively, these measures can foster accountability, strengthen regulatory oversight and restore confidence in the retail sector. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
29-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Hidden trade persists in Salalah as shops shun e-payments
SALALAH, MARCH 29 As Eid approaches, shoppers in the Wilayat of Salalah are increasingly being asked to transfer payments to personal bank accounts rather than using approved electronic systems—an alarming trend that may point to widespread violations of Oman's commercial regulations. In one incident observed by the Oman Observer, a customer at a clothing store was informed that card payments were not accepted. 'Just transfer the money to my bank account,' the shop assistant instructed. Such transactions are becoming more frequent across Salalah's retail sector, according to field visits conducted by the Observer. Many of these outlets appear to be operated by expatriate workers, although they are officially registered under the names of Omani citizens. The lack of electronic payment systems and official invoices has raised serious concerns about potential breaches of Oman's anti-commercial concealment (hidden trade) laws. UNFAIR COMPETITION Ahmed Salim, a small business owner in the Wilayat of Salalah, said that unlicensed operations are undermining legitimate enterprises. 'We issue receipts, comply with tax laws, and use electronic payments. Others sidestep all of that and sell at lower prices. It's not a level playing field,' he said. He added that the situation is discouraging young Omanis from entering the retail sector. 'This kind of environment kills motivation,' he noted. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has intensified enforcement. In a recent inspection campaign, the ministry reviewed 1,528 commercial outlets within shopping centres in the governorates of Muscat and Al Batinah South. The campaign led to more than 40 violations against shops that failed to comply with Ministerial Decision No (386/2022), which mandates that retailers must offer electronic payment options to customers. Ahead of Eid, the Ministry also issued a public advisory urging consumers to report any retailer that refuses e-payments or requests money transfers via personal phone-linked accounts. Complaints can be submitted through the Tajawob platform at Regulatory framework In July 2023, the ministry introduced new regulations aimed at combating commercial concealment—defined as enabling unlicensed individuals to operate a business, either independently or in partnership. Under these regulations, offenders face fines ranging from RO 5,000 to RO 15,000, with the potential for permanent licence revocation in cases of repeated violations. Authorities have been granted broad powers to conduct unannounced inspections. Red flags include income transfers to personal accounts, false registration data, unauthorised managerial roles held by foreign workers, and the use of non-commercial bank accounts. Both citizens and residents are required to report suspected violations, while self-reporting may result in reduced penalties. Economists caution that concealed commercial practices reduce public tax revenues and hinder the government's efforts to regulate the market and create employment opportunities for Omanis. 'These shadow transactions create an informal economy that competes with the formal sector and undermines national economic policy,' one analyst observed. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS To effectively curb commercial concealment and promote fair competition, experts and business owners advocate for a comprehensive approach. This includes mandating digital payment systems across all retail outlets to ensure transactional transparency and reduce informal cash-based dealings. Authorities should also impose immediate penalties on shops that fail to issue official receipts, as the absence of documentation often signals regulatory evasion. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate consumers on their rights and encourage them to report violations. Furthermore, establishing more direct communication channels between consumers, municipal authorities, and regulators will enable faster identification and resolution of non-compliant practices. Collectively, these measures can foster accountability, strengthen regulatory oversight and restore confidence in the retail sector.
Muscat Daily
02-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
No new seafood retail licences in Oman for one year
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has issued Ministerial Decision No 41/2025 aimed at regulating retail sale of seafood and related products. The decision puts on hold new applications for licences to engage in selling seafood for one year. According to Article 1 of the decision, the suspension applies to all licensing applications for retail seafood stores. This temporary pause is part of wider efforts to ensure sustainability and protection of Oman's marine resources, furthering the sultanate's commitment to responsible fishing practices. The decision was issued on February 24 and will be effective following its publication in the Official Gazette. In alignment with the Aquatic Living Resources Law established by Royal Decree 20/2019 and its amendments under Royal Decree No 92/2020, the decision emphasises the government's focus on public interest and sustainable management of marine resources. The decision also abides by executive regulations of Ministerial Decision No 4/94 concerning protection of living aquatic resources.
