The Shura Council held today (Monday) its twelfth regular sitting of the third annual session of the tenth term (2023–2027), chaired by Khalid bin Hilal Al-Maawali, Chairman of the Council.
At the beginning of the sitting, the Chairman noted that the region is currently experiencing a sensitive phase marked by rapidly evolving developments, which requires strengthening cooperation and solidarity, while emphasizing the importance of preserving security and stability and promoting paths of peace regionally and internationally.
Oath of Membership for the Representative of Duqm
During the sitting, Rashid bin Ghudir Al-Junaibi took the oath of membership representing the Wilayat of Duqm, succeeding the former representative following his appointment to a governmental position.
This procedure was carried out in accordance with Article (18) of the Law of the Council of Oman, which regulates the mechanism for filling vacant seats by selecting the next candidate based on the election results within a period not exceeding sixty days from the date the seat becomes vacant.
Urgent Statement on the Implications of a Ministry of Labour Decision
The session also included an urgent statement delivered by Council member Badr bin Nasser Al-Jabri, representative of Wilayat Nakhal, regarding the implications of Ministerial Decision No. (602/2025) issued by the Ministry of Labour Oman and its amendments under Decision No. (44/2026).
In his statement, the member stressed that regulating the labour market and enhancing employment opportunities for Omani citizens represents a national and strategic objective. However, he indicated that certain mechanisms associated with implementing the decision have created operational pressures on small and micro-enterprises, particularly in light of increased fees related to the recruitment and renewal of expatriate labour.
He explained that many small service-sector activities do not necessarily represent stable or attractive employment opportunities for citizens; nevertheless, they play an important role in meeting daily community needs. He added that increasing operational burdens could affect the sustainability and growth prospects of small businesses.
The statement called for reviewing some implementation mechanisms to achieve a balance between Omanisation goals and the sustainability of small and micro-enterprises by adopting a more gradual regulatory approach that considers the size and nature of the enterprise, in addition to examining possible reductions in financial burdens imposed on this category of businesses.
Discussion of Amendments to the Mineral Wealth Law
During the sitting, the Council concluded its discussion of amendments to certain provisions of the Mineral Wealth Law issued by Royal Decree No. (19/2019) and referred the draft amendments to the State Council of Oman to complete the legislative process.
The Economic and Financial Committee presented its views on the draft amendments, particularly regarding the regulation of mineral resource exploitation and enhancing the efficiency of its management, following consultations with relevant authorities and the review of technical and economic perspectives related to the proposed amendments.
The Legislative and Legal Committee also reviewed its observations concerning the legal drafting and the impact of the amendments on the legislative framework.
The proposed amendments come in line with ongoing economic and regulatory developments in the mining sector and aim to enhance the sustainable utilization of mineral resources while maximizing their added value to the national economy.
Approval of Several Cooperation Agreements
The Council also discussed the vision of the Services and Public Utilities Committee regarding several international agreements pursuant to Article (54) of the Law of the Council of Oman, including:

The agenda also included the discussion and approval of the themes of ministerial statements to be delivered by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, in accordance with Article (69) of the Law of the Council of Oman.
 
 
Approval of Several Submitted Proposals
The Council discussed the report of the Economic and Financial Committee regarding the submitted proposal on banking fees, which included a study of the current situation of local banks and a comparison with banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, along with several recommendations aimed at achieving a balance between the sustainability of the banking sector and the protection of customer interests.
The Council also approved the committee’s report on the submitted proposal concerning support for national factories, given the pivotal role of the industrial sector in achieving economic transformation and enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products in local, regional, and international markets.
The Council further reviewed the report of the Media, Tourism and Culture Committee regarding the proposal to establish integrated service stations for mobile homes, aimed at supporting land tourism and adventure tourism by providing supporting infrastructure in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The Council was also briefed on several draft laws and agreements submitted by the government, including the Unified Law for the Management of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.