Staff Reporter
Muscat, Jan 8
The Majlis Ash’shura members sought stronger oversight of the private sector job market and employment support programmes on the second day of session with Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, on Thursday.
The minister outlined a broad set of labour market reforms and policy safeguards while reviewing the performance of the Ministry of Labour (MoL) for 2026.
Dr Mahad said the government is pursuing a balanced labour policy focused on job creation, workforce stability and stronger protection for workers, while ensuring the private sector remains competitive. Members raised concerns over arbitrary dismissals, enforcement of minimum wage requirements, sustainability of employment after the conclusion of wage-support programmes, and solutions for job-seekers and recently laid-off workers.
The minister said that no citizen services can be suspended without proper procedures and prior coordination with the MoL
Dr Mahad explained that the “Sahm” programme is designed to support job-seekers and improve labour market integration.
Majlis Ash’shura members called for accelerated issuance of executive regulations under the Labour Law, stronger monitoring of Omanisation targets, and closer follow-up on commercial establishments’ commitments, particularly among small and medium enterprises. The minister said oversight mechanisms would be strengthened to verify compliance and safeguard the rights of both workers and employers.
The session also witnessed calls for the establishment of a specialised vocational college in the Wilayat of Mirbat to help fisheries, aquaculture, marine sciences and coastal tourism sectors in the wilayat.
Shura members called for a review of the minimum wage system, noting that the absence of a wage ceiling for non-Omani workers has enabled some companies to exert downward pressure on Omani wages, necessitating a reconsideration of this policy to achieve fairness in the labour market. They also pointed out that for more than 12 years, private sector employees have been awaiting an increase in the maximum wage ceiling of RO 325, despite rising inflation and the increasing cost of goods and services.
Majlis Ash’shura members further called on the minister to ensure the alignment of higher education outputs with labour market needs through ongoing coordination between the Ministry of Labour, educational institutions, and relevant stakeholders. They questioned whether clear mechanisms exist to update academic specialisations and programmes in line with current and future market requirements, and highlighted the Ministry’s role in anticipating future jobs and preparing upcoming generations accordingly.
The session was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash’shura .
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