Latest news with #MahadbinSaidBaowain
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
MoL launches strategy for National Occupational Standards
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour (MoL) on Monday launched a strategy for National Occupational Standards (NOS), an initiative aimed to establish an integrated professional system for the development of competencies and the promotion of a labour-market-oriented culture of work and productivity. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. The strategy aims to align the outcomes of education and training with labour market requirements, enhance the quality of vocational training and achieve sustainable growth in various economic sectors. It also lays grounds for a free labour market to be run by skilled national manpower. The strategy's approach (to develop a highly qualified national workforce) aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. - ONA
Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman attends ARADO meeting in Cairo
The Sultanate of Oman part in the 119th regular session of the Executive Council of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO), held in Cairo. Oman's delegation at the meeting was headed by Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. The meeting discussed the organisation's achievements during 2024, its digital transition strategy and its annual action plan, budget and follow-up of the implementation of its decisions. The participants expressed keenness to develop administrative performance and enhance integration among Arab countries in respective areas.
Observer
11-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 23m Wadi Anaar Dam opens in Salalah
SALALAH: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources on Sunday celebrated the opening of Wadi Anaar Dam in the Wilayat of Salalah, Governorate of Dhofar. The project, which cost about RO 23 million, is in pursuit of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance protection against flood risks. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. It was attended by government officials and representatives of private sector establishments. The project also seeks to promote water security, notably by capturing the great volume of water that results from heavy rains in adjoining mountains and precipitates downwards towards Salalah Port, Raysut Industrial City and Salalah Free Zone. RO 23m Wadi Anaar Dam opens in Salalah To ensure the dam's safety during emergencies, the ministry implemented advanced technologies, including the use of smart monitoring systems that assess water levels in the lake. In addition, the project will be supplied with seismic sensors to track any sudden geological activity. In addition, surveillance cameras will be in place to provide comprehensive coverage of all the sections of the dam. The dam is also equipped with automatic control gates that regulate water flow as needed. The gates can be operated remotely through a secure central system and other apparatus integrated with a central control room, from which data is received and analysed in real-time. — ONA
Observer
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
OHRC launches guide for workforce rights
MUSCAT: Oman Human Rights Commission on Sunday launched the 'Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide' in six languages, aimed at raising legal awareness among both workers and employers, promoting a culture of legal compliance, and fostering justice and respect in the workplace. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. This publication reinforces Oman's positive record in human rights and affirms its commitment to relevant international conventions, while establishing a work environment based on principles of justice, equality and dignity. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, stated that the launch of the Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide addresses a genuine need among labour stakeholders to understand the rights and obligations stipulated in Oman's Labour Law. He explained that the guide provides a comprehensive overview of key rights for private sector workers, including the requirement for a written employment contract (with a copy provided to the worker), the prohibition of employers retaining passports or personal documents without written consent, the ban on all forms of forced labour, and the guarantee of equality without discrimination based on gender, language, religion, colour, or social status. It also outlines workers' rights to file complaints and grievances through approved channels. The guide details regulations on working hours, annual/sick leave, weekly rest periods, overtime, end-of-service benefits, termination certificates, and occupational health and safety provisions — including first aid, medical care, housing, transportation and meals where applicable. Published in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla and Filipino, the guide ensures accessibility for expatriate and resident workers of diverse nationalities. It also lists official communication channels for workers and employers to engage with relevant authorities. The launch of the guide aligns with Articles 10 and 11 of the Commission's statute (promulgated by Royal Decree No 57/2022) to advance human rights protection in Oman, while serving as a vital tool to enhance workplace efficiency and community engagement. The multilingual initiative reflects international standards such as Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights right to "just and favourable working conditions" and ILO Convention No 111 on Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation. Structured in three sections, the guide covers worker/employer rights, obligations and prohibitions; General guidelines, and communication means with the Oman Human Rights Commission. — ONA
Observer
20-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Key forum explores labour market future policy directions
The Government Communication Centre hosted the third session of its 'Dialogue for Communication' series, focusing on labour and employment policies in Oman. Held on Wednesday, March 19, at the Ministry of Information Theatre in Media City, the session featured Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, who addressed national workforce strategies, Omanisation efforts and employment challenges. The dialogue provided a platform for direct engagement between decision-makers and the public, highlighting key labour market developments and future policy directions. During the session, Dr Baowain shared insights into the composition of Oman's workforce, particularly within the trade sector, where the total number of workers stands at approximately 1.6 million. He explained that while some businesses require long-term employment contracts, others—particularly in certain service industries—operate with short-term employment models. One of the key distinctions he made was between professional, semi-professional, and technical roles, noting that there is no classification for 'unskilled professions,' but rather 'basic professions', which generate lower revenue. Small businesses, such as local coffee shops and other service-oriented enterprises, typically employ a handful of expatriate workers with limited financial turnover. Excluding these businesses from broader employment statistics, the workforce would shrink from 1.1 million to 500,000 in specific sectors. Dr Baowain emphasised that large Omani companies, specifically the 700 firms employing over 150 staff members, account for a significant share of national employment. These firms collectively employ 180,000 Omanis and 200,000 expatriates. However, he noted that while Omanisation remains a priority, the process of workforce replacement is complex. He clarified that replacing expatriate workers is not a straightforward process, as many roles require specialised skills, job-specific experience, and established workflows that companies have developed over time. 'Some may think it is easy to replace expatriates, but in reality, it involves multiple factors, including job responsibilities and the overall structure of a company,' he stated. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Labour engages in dialogue sessions and workshops to ensure transparency and support businesses in gradual workforce transitions. Looking ahead to 2025, Dr Baowain outlined employment projections for both government and private sectors. He stated that most government-sector roles are temporary positions tied to financial grades and availability. Meanwhile, in the private sector, Omanisation efforts are progressing through initiatives such as the 11,000 training-to-employment opportunities that are currently being developed, some of which are linked to workforce localisation. On the issue of minimum wage policies, the Minister clarified that the existing framework is not a salary scale or direct employment mechanism but rather a protective measure for the labour market. Salaries below a certain threshold require formal contractual agreements, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation. However, the final structure of these regulations remains under review, with ongoing discussions evaluating their economic and financial impact. As Oman continues to develop its workforce policies, the insights shared in the third 'Dialogue for Communication' session highlighted the balancing act between economic realities, workforce nationalisation, and business sustainability. With continued dialogue between government, businesses, and workers, the focus remains on creating a dynamic, inclusive and future-ready labour market.
