Oman hosts workshop on international labour standards

MUSCAT: A three-day regional workshop titled “International Labour Standards: Building Local Policies and Capacities” commenced in Muscat on Monday, bringing together experts from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) alongside government officials, private sector representatives and specialists from Oman and across the region.
Organised by the Ministry of Labour, the workshop was inaugurated under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. The programme aims to support the alignment of national legislation with international labour standards, strengthen institutional capacity in labour policy formulation and promote the exchange of regional best practices to improve work environments and social protection systems.
Addressing the opening session, Khalid bin Salim al Ghammari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour for Labour, said the workshop comes at a time of profound global changes in employment patterns, professions and labour relations. These shifts, he noted, require balanced policies that support economic growth while safeguarding workers’ rights. He stressed that international labour standards form a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive development.
Al Ghammari highlighted Oman’s strategic partnership with the ILO, which he said is rooted in a shared belief that people are at the centre of development. This cooperation aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. He added that Oman has ratified five international labour conventions and recently modernised its legislative framework through the new Labour Law and the Social Protection Law, issued under Royal Decrees No 53/2023 and No 52/2023, respectively.
He also outlined the Ministry’s focus on empowering the national workforce through skills development programmes, digital solutions and data-driven policy tools, noting that the workshop reflects the Ministry’s commitment to capacity building and future-focused dialogue.
For his part, Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, said the programme reflects the growing regional emphasis on rights-based modernisation, social dialogue and institutional excellence. He described international labour standards as a long-standing pillar of social justice and economic stability since the ILO’s founding in 1919, adding that this initiative is the first of its kind in the region.
Houngbo noted increasing regional momentum in upholding fundamental principles at work, particularly in social dialogue, combating forced labour and enhancing occupational safety and health. He said the programme will strengthen the ability of member states, employers and workers’ organisations to engage effectively with international labour standards and compliance mechanisms.
Representatives of social partners also welcomed the initiative. Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the workshop would help review existing legislation and reinforce cooperation among the tripartite partners. Meanwhile, Nabhan bin Ahmed al Batashi, Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Workers, stressed the need for continuous policy development to keep pace with economic change, describing ILO participation as a clear sign of Oman’s commitment to international standards.
Sanaa bint Abdulrahman al Khanjariyah, Chairperson of the Al Rahma Association for Maternal and Child Welfare, underlined the growing role of civil society organisations in improving working conditions and protecting workers’ rights, describing them as essential partners in sustaining progress. — ONA