Over 135,000 registered companies in Oman are mere commercial records, says Labour Minister

MUSCAT : Sharing insights into Oman’s labour market in an interview with a local TV station, H.E. Dr. Mahad Baouin, stated that approximately 265,000 of the total registered companies actively employ workers.

On the issue of job retention, Dr. Baouin highlighted the Ministry’s efforts over the past three years, pointing out that from 2021 to 2023, over 50,000 to 60,000 jobs were preserved through negotiations with companies to ensure the maximum retention of Omani nationals in their positions.

The Minister also provided insight into the government’s efforts to address the growing demand for public sector jobs. “The government receives between 12,000 and 16,000 new employees or job seekers annually in the public sector,” he noted, reflecting the ongoing pressure to meet the aspirations of job seekers.

In addressing the challenges faced by the labour market, Dr. Baouin pointed out that the market is constantly evolving, posing challenges in matching the outcomes of the education system with the actual needs of the labour market. The Ministry is working towards bridging this gap by focusing on training and replacement programs. He also noted that the high percentage of expatriates in low-skilled jobs poses an additional challenge.

The Minister also addressed the implementation of the wage protection system, stating that while it may not be new, it became mandatory in mid-2023 to ensure that salaries of private sector workers are transferred via a transparent and clear system.