25,000 jobs for Omanis before May 31

MUSCAT, April 21 - The target to provide 25,000 jobs to Omani nationals is expected to be reached before the scheduled deadline of May 31.

“Only just below four per cent of the new recruitment is to be completed in more than a month,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Manpower.

“Although the target is nearing completion, it doesn’t mean that the process is ending. Providing jobs to nationals is the top priority of the government and will continue with the efforts,” said the official.

The first stage of the targeted period, which began in the first week of December, will end on May 31.

The Council of Ministers following orders from His Majesty the Sultan had earlier announced that 25,000 jobs would be created for Omanis in both private and public sectors within six months, starting from December.

Hence, efforts have been taken to provide jobs in tourism, industry, logistics, free zones, mining, financial and knowledge sectors.

“The present target is the first stage of the ongoing process. It has been a challenge which found success even before the targeted period,” said a senior official at the ministry.

The total number of jobs provided so far stood at 24,172 which is 96.6 per cent of the targeted figure of 25,000.

According to the official, construction sector hired the largest number of workforce at 32.5 per cent followed by wholesale and retail sector with 14.3 per cent.

The percentage of jobs provided by manufacturing and transportation sectors stood at 13.5 and 7.1 respectively.

He said the government’s goal is to facilitate citizens’ access to employment opportunities while taking into account the growth in the number of graduates.

According to him, of the total employed, 34.3 per cent possess diploma degrees, while 17.4 per cent are with higher education degrees and 48.3 per cent have below diploma.

While urging the private sector to accord priority for nationals in new appointments, the ministry will assess the situation and reserve more specific positions for Omanis.

“Omani nationals should be given priority while making recruitment in the public and private sectors and expatriates should be hired only if no suitable Omani is found for a particular job”, he said.

SAMUEL KUTTY