Latest news with #MinistryofLabour


Libya Observer
18 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
Libya moves to integrate migrant workers into banking system
Libya's Central Bank (CBL) and the Ministry of Labour have agreed to create a joint task force aimed at integrating migrant workers into the country's formal banking system. The initiative, announced after a meeting between CBL Governor Naji Issa and Labour Minister Ali Al-Abed, involves developing a digital system to track work permits, verify migrant identities, and reduce reliance on the informal economy. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both institutions, commercial bank representatives, and the director of 'Muamalat' financial services company. Discussions focused on linking legal work permits to a national database and enforcing stricter oversight on businesses employing undocumented labour. Officials also agreed to launch a national awareness campaign targeting employers and workers, highlighting the risks of the shadow economy and promoting formal employment. The move aims to open more job opportunities for Libyan nationals while strengthening the financial sector and combating tax evasion and money laundering. In the education sector, the CBL and the ministry also discussed expanding digital payment infrastructure. Plans include installing point-of-sale (PoS) terminals at educational institutions and encouraging schools to adopt approved e-payment systems. Tags: Central bank of Libya Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation


The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
New taskforce to target 'Grey Chinese' labour exploitation and illegality in Thailand
BANGKOK: A new government committee has been established to clamp down on "Grey Chinese" groups and other foreign nationals suspected of engaging in illegal labour practices within Thailand. The Ministry of Labour announced the formation of the committee following alarming discoveries of numerous foreign workers occupying professions specifically reserved for Thai citizens. Labour Minister Phongkawin Juangroongruangkit revealed on Friday (July 18) that the newly formed committee will investigate employment conditions, instances of forced labour, and the exploitation of child labour among foreign workers. This initiative is a direct response to a surge in illegal employment across various sectors. "Current circumstances indicate the continued use of illegal labour in many areas, especially involving child labourers and foreign workers," stated Minister Phongkawin. He highlighted the impact of certain foreign capital groups, particularly from China and neighbouring countries, who are reportedly exploiting labour unlawfully. This trend, he noted, directly undermines employment opportunities for Thai workers, compromises fairness in the labour market, and poses a long-term threat to workers' rights. In line with the government's "Urgent Regulation of Foreign Workers in Thailand" policy, the Ministry of Labour is intensifying cooperation with all relevant agencies. The aim is to rigorously monitor, inspect, and enforce legal measures to rectify illegal employment issues and create more job prospects for Thai citizens across all industries. Thailand has stringent laws protecting its workforce, with 27 specific occupations strictly prohibited for foreign nationals. These include skilled trades such as wood carving, diamond and gem cutting, and the production of traditional Thai crafts like lacquerware and musical instruments. Other restricted roles encompass service-based professions like hairdressing, Thai massage, tour guiding, and legal services. Disturbingly, investigations have uncovered evidence of foreign nationals, including Chinese individuals working as tour guides, and Myanmarese or Cambodians engaging in local market trade, directly infringing upon these reserved occupations. Myanmarese individuals have also been found working in Thai traditional massage parlours and street vending. This widespread violation poses a significant threat to job security and the economic stability of Thai workers. Therefore, the comprehensive regulation of foreign labour is deemed crucial. The objective is to ensure that foreign workers are employed legally and within the specific job categories permitted by Thai law, without impinging on the rights of Thai workers. The newly formed advisory and inspection committee will consist of 15 members. It will include advisors to the Minister of Labour, the Minister's Secretary, representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Furthermore, various agencies under the Ministry of Labour's purview will participate, ensuring an integrated and highly effective operational plan. - The Nation/ANN


Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
MoL clarifies certification rule for accounting, auditing professionals
Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has issued a clarification regarding its earlier announcement concerning the mandatory professional classification certificate for individuals working in the accounting, finance, and auditing sectors. In response to numerous inquiries from institutions and individuals working in the sector, the Ministry has confirmed that, effective from September 1, 2025, all Omani and expatriate employees currently working in these fields must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate as a prerequisite for the issuance or renewal of work permits. The certificate must be obtained from the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing, which operates under the Ministry in collaboration with the Oman Association of Chartered Accountants. This process applies to all roles listed within the Ministry's recognized job classification list for the sector. The Ministry also announced that online registration for the certification process will begin on August 1, 2025. A registration link will be shared through the Ministry's official channels in the coming days. This measure is aimed at enhancing regulatory standards, improving the efficiency and qualifications of professionals in the financial sector, and better aligning the labour market with national strategic goals. Employers and individuals are urged to ensure compliance with this requirement, as no work permits will be issued or renewed after the deadline without the approved certification. For further assistance or inquiries, the Ministry has provided a dedicated call center line at 80077000.


News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
From Rescue to Reintegration: Rethinking India's Diaspora Policy
Last Updated: India's people are its greatest asset. Whether they leave by choice or necessity, and whether they return in hope or despair, they deserve more than rescue India's repeated evacuation efforts reflect a maturing foreign policy, but they also reveal systemic blind spots in migration governance. In recent years, India has conducted several high-profile evacuation missions to rescue its citizens stranded in war-torn or crisis-hit countries. From Operation Ganga in Ukraine to Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and more recently, efforts in Israel and Gaza amid conflict, these missions have drawn praise for their speed and coordination. However, they also raise deeper questions: Why are so many Indians regularly caught in the crosshairs of global conflicts? What compels them to be there in such large numbers — and why is their return always reactive, not planned? From students and professionals to migrant labourers, India's citizens abroad are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical instability. It is time India evolves from a rescue-centric mindset to a strategy of long-term engagement, reintegration, and risk mitigation. The Indian diaspora is among the largest in the world — over 18 million strong. But it is far from homogenous. While much attention is paid to high-skilled NRIs in the US or UK, a large portion of Indians abroad are low- or semi-skilled workers in the Gulf, West Asia, and Africa. Another growing cohort includes Indian students in countries like Ukraine, China, Russia, and smaller Eastern European nations drawn by more affordable medical education. These groups are often the most vulnerable. They live and work in politically volatile regions, lack robust legal protections, and are sometimes under informal or exploitative contracts. When crises erupt — be it war, civil unrest, or natural disaster — they find themselves with little safety net. Yet the scale of that return has largely been forgotten in policymaking circles. No comprehensive national framework emerged for their reintegration, skill mapping, or future redeployment. Most simply disappeared back into informal economies or sought to leave again once restrictions were lifted. Policy Needs to Move Beyond Symbolism Mapping Vulnerable Citizens Abroad: A real-time, dynamic database of Indians abroad — especially workers and students in conflict-prone regions — must be created and maintained by embassies in coordination with the MEA and the Ministry of Labour. Institutionalise Returnee Support: Many returnees — especially during Covid or from war zones — come back with trauma, debt, and few job prospects. A national reintegration scheme should include psycho-social support, job matching, upskilling, and short-term income support. Strengthen Bilateral Labour Agreements: Much of India's labour migration happens via informal channels. India must urgently expand formal labour mobility partnerships that include insurance, safety guarantees, and exit provisions during emergencies. Protect Indian Students Abroad: Affordable education should not mean unsafe education. India must scrutinize the quality and safety of institutions abroad. Embassies should proactively engage on issues such as housing, curriculum, and student wellbeing. Diaspora Policy That Includes the Vulnerable: India's diaspora engagement often celebrates high-net-worth individuals and global CEOs. But the real face of the diaspora includes nurses in Israel, masons in Dubai, students in Kharkiv, and drivers in Lebanon. Our policy must reflect this diversity. Launch Mission Samarth: India must move from reactive rescue operations to a long-term strategy of migration governance. A national-level initiative — Mission Samarth — could be launched to attract, retain, and reintegrate skilled Indian professionals abroad. Modelled after Startup India or Skill India, this mission should be steered by a multi-ministerial task force under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Its components may include: One-Stop Portal for Returnees: A digital platform to streamline credential recognition, job matching, tax clarity, and housing assistance — reducing bureaucratic and logistical friction. Reverse Talent Fellowships: Structured, funded programs to bring back Indian-origin scientists, researchers, and policy professionals for 3–5 years in academia or public systems. Global Mobility Taskforce: A coordinated effort involving MEA, Labour, Education, state governments, and Indian missions abroad to institutionalise protections, skill portability, and crisis preparedness. Inclusion of Experts from Outside Government: The mission should involve experts from civil society, academia, diaspora networks, and retired senior civil servants to ensure innovation and credibility. Reintegration is Nation-Building When lakhs of Indians return home due to crisis, they bring with them not just hardship but also skills, global exposure, and aspirations. Ignoring them is a loss not only to them but to India's development story. Reintegration is not welfare — it is nation-building. A Call for Coordinated Governance Migration policy must move beyond the silos of the Ministry of External Affairs or Labour. A high-level inter-ministerial task force — possibly anchored in NITI Aayog — should develop an integrated migration and reintegration strategy, in partnership with states, industries, and civil society. Conclusion top videos View all Every time a conflict breaks out, India scrambles to bring its people home. But between those headlines lie deeper systemic issues — unregulated migration, lack of support for returnees, and a policy blind spot that treats them as temporary guests rather than long-term contributors. India's people are its greatest asset. Whether they leave by choice or necessity, and whether they return in hope or despair, they deserve more than rescue — they deserve respect, reintegration, and recognition. Dhiraj Kumar Srivastava is a former civil servant, He has served as Resident Commissioner, Bikaner House, and as Secretary to the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, under PMO. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments First Published: June 24, 2025, 16:35 IST News opinion Opinion | From Rescue to Reintegration: Rethinking India's Diaspora Policy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. 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Gulf Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
New job rules in Oman: These roles now require a permit
Image credit: Getty Images The Ministry of Labour has introduced new regulations requiring mandatory professional certification for work permits in both the accounting and engineering sectors in Oman. The move is part of a broader initiative to standardise qualifications, enhance professional competency, and support the Sultanate's national workforce development goals, Read- Effective August 1, 2025, the ministry will no longer issue or renew work permits for individuals working Similarly, starting September 1, 2025, individuals employed or seeking employment in accounting, finance, and auditing positions must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate from the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing. This certificate will be a mandatory requirement for the issuance and renewal of work permits in the financial sector. The Ministry emphasised that no work permits will be issued or renewed after the respective deadlines without the required certificates. All employers and professionals are urged to initiate the necessary steps to comply with the new regulations ahead of time to avoid disruptions in employment status. The following roles in the accounting and finance sector will require professional certification: Accounts Technician Assistant External Auditor Assistant Internal Auditor Internal Auditor External Auditor Cost Accountant Credit Analyst Financial Analyst Accounts Manager Tax Manager Chief Financial Officer (CFO) External Audit Manager Internal Audit Manager Senior Internal Audit Manager Financial Controller Senior External Audit Manager Head of Internal Audit Department Chief Financial Officer (CFO) External Audit Partner Chief Audit Executive The ministry has made it clear that no exceptions will be made after the enforcement dates. These changes are expected to elevate the standards of professional practice and ensure that only qualified individuals are employed in key technical and financial roles across the Sultanate.