18-03-2025
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).
