Wednesday 26 / June / 2024
MUSCAT: The recent promulgation of Oman Labour Law by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will go a long way in enhancing employment opportunities for Omani youth and the government is counting on their contribution to the economic development of the country, according to a top government official.
In his comments to Oman News Agency (ONA) on Saturday, Dr. Nasser bin Rashid Al Ma’awali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said: “The Labour Law will contribute a lot in providing employment opportunities for Omani youth, underlining the focus on Omanisation. We are counting on the Omani labour force to make a significant contribution in the national economy and their empowerment will boost the private sector in the future.”
Al Ma’awali said: “The Labour Law is one of the most prominent aspects governing the legislative framework of economic affairs in the Sultanate of Oman, as labour market and employment policies are fundamental pillars of economic development.
“The groundbreaking Labour Law Decree is closely aligned with the principles of Oman Vision 2040 and the tenth five-year development plan (2021-2025). It is specifically tailored to address the needs of the labour market in the country and in line with the basic labour standards of the International Labour Organisation.”
Al Ma’awali pointed out that both the labour market and employment sector are the basic engine for the progress of the Omani economy. He said: “The Labour Law is an important legislative tool and will contribute to achieving the goals of the tenth five-year plan through strategic programmes laid out.
“We need to provide a labour market that is attractive for competent workers and keeps pace with demographic, economic, knowledge and technical changes.”
Al Ma’awali stressed that the new provisions of the law will enable the private sector to take charge of the economic growth and achieve the desired integration.
He noted: “The growth in the private sector will help in the contribution of increased labour productivity. The new provisions of the law will empower the private sector and overcome the challenges it faces. The law has given clear importance on upgrading national capabilities and providing an attractive work environment for competencies commensurate with modern work patterns, related to working hours, flexibility, and remote work.
Al Ma’awali also spoke on the social dimension of the Labour Law and stressed that the law was in line with the Social Protection Law. He said: “The law includes privileges for people with disabilities and working women that guarantees their rights in this system. Policies and legislation that empower women socially and economically are in line with the principles of human rights and are also included in the programmes of the tenth five-year plan.”
The undersecretary said that the law will improve the business environment and enhance market competitiveness, creating a competitive business environment that would attract investment and help in achieving the target of the tenth five-year plan.
Al Ma’awali said: “The Labour Law will enhance the position of the Sultanate of Oman on international indicators, and help keep the momentum of the country’s economic growth.”
