Ministry of Labour Announces Changes to Labour Law Under Discussion

Muscat: Salim bin Musallam al Busaidi – the Undersecretary for Human Resources at the Ministry of Labour stated that the Ministry aims to ensure 6,000 jobs in the Oil & Gas and, Electricity sectors. He further added that these jobs will involve employment-related training or on–the–job training.

He clarified that the training regimen is only being funded if it fructifies into a real job opportunity and, over 1,800 jobs were already offered in the first quarter of this year. Alongside Sheikh Nasr bin Amer bin Shwain al Hosani, Labor Undersecretary, Al Busaidi stated that Oman Investment Authority is on track to replace an estimated 9,000 expatriates who are employed by Government companies.

Al Busaidi added that the Ministry’s purview is not only to generate job opportunities but also, act as a regulator in the labor market. He stated that two draft laws being discussed with government agencies, in line with the current situation and keeping public interests in mind.

He dismissed the rumors about an increase in working hours and emphasized that the law will be employee-centric.