Latest news with #RO325
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Majlis A'Shura calls for review of SME hiring policy
Muscat – The Ministry of Labour directive requiring commercial establishments operating for more than a year to employ at least one Omani citizen within 30 days of notification came under scrutiny in Majlis A'Shura on Tuesday. The issue was raised in an urgent statement by Mohammed Nasser al Mahrouqi, representative of the wilayat of Sinaw, during a session chaired by H E Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali on Tuesday. Mahrouqi said the directive caught many micro, small and medium-sized businesses by surprise, noting that the mandatory hiring requirement, coupled with a minimum monthly salary of RO325, poses a heavy financial burden particularly on firms in rural areas. While expressing support for Omanisation, Mahrouqi called for a more comprehensive and evidence-based national employment strategy. He urged exemption for micro and small enterprises and phased implementation of the directive in medium-sized enterprises. In another urgent statement, Mohammed Khamis al Husseini, representative from Samail, highlighted the poor performance of several food security projects despite significant state investment. He attributed the failure to flawed feasibility studies, bureaucratic inefficiencies and weak management. Husseini called for a full review of government-supported food security initiatives and recommended restructuring, partnerships with strategic investors or liquidation of underperforming entities. He noted the increasing importance of domestic food production amid rising global supply constraints and export restrictions. Mohammed Nasser al Mahrouqi, Majlis A'Shura representative of the wilayat of Sinaw The session approved two key draft laws with amendments – the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes and the draft Real Estate Registry Law – both referred by the government. Dr Ahmed Ali al Saadi, Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Committee, said the amendments to the arbitration law aim to streamline procedures, enhance fairness and align Oman's legal framework with international standards. He added that the Real Estate Registry Law will modernise the sector by introducing electronic documentation and ownership systems to ensure transparency and efficiency, while integrating the sector with Oman's broader digital infrastructure. The session also approved a report by the Public Services and Utilities Committee regarding a draft air transport agreement between Oman and the Kyrgyz Republic. Hamoud Ahmed al Yahyai, chairman of the committee, said the agreement would enhance civil aviation cooperation and support trade and tourism links. Other draft laws reviewed included the National Spatial Data Law, Unified Industrial Regulation for GCC Countries and the draft Sports Bodies Law. The shura is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday to review the draft Civil Society Institutions Law.
Muscat Daily
25-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Plan to raise minimum wage in Oman to RO400 under review
Muscat – The government is actively considering a proposal to increase the minimum wage for Omanis to RO400, according to H E Dr Mahad Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. In an interview with a local news channel, the minister outlined that while RO400 is the government's preferred figure, the decision is still under review. 'As a government, we tend to favour setting the minimum wage at RO 400. However, this remains a proposal subject to further evaluation,' H E Baowain said. He added that the proposal will undergo thorough assessment by the concerned authorities, Council of Ministers and all relevant stakeholders before any final decision is made. H E Baowain explained that the proposed wage range of RO360 to RO400 was developed with inputs from a technical team of National Employment Programme and Directorate General of Planning and Labour Market Policies. 'We have sent an initial draft to the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers. The hike in minimum wage depends on the average of monthly wages and annual inflation rate, and it may range between RO360 and RO 400,' he added. The current minimum wage for Omanis stands at RO325, regardless of qualifications. H E Baowain stressed the fact that the proposed increase is based on economic factors. 'Our goal is not to reduce wages. This is purely an economic matter based on supply and demand,' he said. On job creation, he said the ministry aims to employ 45,000 people, including 24,000 in the private sector, 10,000 in the public sector and 11,000 through training linked to employment this year. He added that those who have been laid off would be given priority for these opportunities.
