MUSCAT, SEPT 20
The Ministry of Labour is continuing efforts to strengthen labour market stability, promote fair employment practices and safeguard the rights of workers and employers through initiatives focused on labour dispute settlement, awareness, collective dialogue and worker welfare.
The ministry’s indicators for the first half of 2026 show continued engagement with various aspects of labour relations, including mechanisms for resolving workplace disputes and promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities.
According to the ministry’s figures, 2,957 individual labour complaints and 2,908 collective labour complaints were recorded during the first half of the year.
The figures highlight the scale of interaction between the ministry and labour market stakeholders and the importance of effective mechanisms for addressing workplace disputes within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.
Labour awareness programmes also formed a significant part of the ministry’s activities, with 6,335 beneficiaries recorded during the period. The programmes seek to familiarise workers and employers with their rights and obligations and provide information on procedures and channels for addressing labour-related concerns.
The ministry’s awareness efforts are also aimed at preventing disputes by improving understanding of labour legislation and encouraging workers and employers to resolve workplace issues through established legal and institutional channels.
The ministry also continued to support labour organisation and collective dialogue. During the first half of 2026, eight new labour unions were registered, providing workers with structured platforms to raise professional and workplace issues and engage in dialogue within the framework of the law.
The ministry recorded 106 collective negotiations during the period. Such negotiations provide an avenue for workers and employers to discuss issues of mutual concern and seek solutions through dialogue, contributing to workplace stability and continuity.
The ministry also recorded five cases involving collective negotiations related to strikes and labour gatherings during the first half of the year. The handling of such cases through established procedures underlines the importance of dialogue and negotiation in addressing labour demands and resolving differences.
Worker welfare was another area reflected in the ministry’s first-half indicators, with 1,093 employment opportunities provided through labour welfare activities.
The figure forms part of broader efforts to support workers and enhance services and mechanisms available to them. Labour welfare is closely linked to the quality of the working environment, compliance with labour regulations and the protection of workers’ rights.
Overall, the ministry’s first-half indicators cover several key areas of labour relations, including dispute settlement, labour awareness, trade union activity, collective negotiations and worker welfare.
The figures also highlight the importance of communication and dialogue between workers, employers and relevant authorities in maintaining orderly labour relations.
As Oman continues to develop its labour market in line with broader economic and social priorities, strengthening labour relations remains important to creating an environment that supports productivity, protects rights and encourages sustainable employment.
Through its programmes and regulatory mechanisms, the Ministry of Labour continues to support a more organised and stable labour market by combining preventive awareness efforts with established channels for addressing complaints, disputes and workplace concerns.
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