Labour Minister discusses Omanisation, SMEs challenges

Salalah: The Ministry of Labour on Monday organised a meeting with business owners in Dhofar Governorate to discuss the challenges of the labour market.

The meeting elaborated on challenges facing business owners, notably those running small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It underscored the need to streamline procedures to help establish new projects. It also touched on the issue of Omanisation of some activities, as well as ways to develop the Omani labour market in general.

Held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, the meeting was attended by Dr. Mahad Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour.

Dr. Mahad affirmed that the Ministry’s “Social Dialogue Committee” has accelerated the pace of action, cooperation and partnership with the three parties to production (the government, employers and workers). 

In turn, this led to a rise in production that keeps pace with the global labour market needs.

Dr. Mahad pointed out the Ministry of Labour is engaged in efforts to develop market tools, consolidate backup to private sector institutions and raise incentives to establishments. 

He explained that the Labour Law and pertinent regulations are envisaged to stabilise the labour market and respond to the progress made in the global market.

He said that the current circumstances call for accelerating the efforts, given the challenges and tremendous progress we are witnessing in the markets. The ministry supports the human resource, as it is the true driver of this development through the employment initiatives in partnership with the private sector.

The Minister of Labour also stressed the importance of the private sector in Dhofar Governorate, which is growing rapidly, especially in the tourism sector.

He praised the role of the governorate in strengthening the labour sector and the efforts made by small and medium enterprises and their national cadres working in the private sector for the establishments of companies, and intensifying interest in entrepreneurial projects related to artificial intelligence and supporting training programmes.