The Shura Council Discusses with H.E. the Minister of Labour on "Temporary Employment Initiatives" in the First Discussion Session of the Tenth Term
•    Discussions on Temporary Employment Initiatives
•    The Future of Existing and Future Temporary Employment Contracts
•    Urgent Statement Regarding the Decision to Extend the Duration of the Job Security Allowance, and Another Regarding Compensation Housing in the Wilayat of Shinas
•    The Shura Council Approves the Motion Regarding "Implementing Remote Work for Certain Positions in State Administrative Units"

During its third regular session of the second Term for the 2024-2025 Term (2023–2027), the Shura Council hosted H.E. Dr. Mahad Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, to discuss the topic of "Temporary Employment Initiatives."  This session was held to activate one of the follow-up tools, in line with Article 68 of the Oman Council Law,  It is permitted, on the basis of a written request signed by at least five members, and after the approval of Council  Al-Shura by a majority of the attending members, to debate and share opinions with service ministers on general matters falling with the competence of the Council. The Chairman of Shura Council  shall notify the Council of Ministers of the request for debate to call the minister to attend the debate session specified by agreement between the council and the Council .  The matter shall be added to the agenda of that session, and the competent minister may request to postpone the response to a subsequent session.


All members of the Council may participate in the debate and ask questions orally to the minister. Priority to speak shall be given to the minister whenever he requests so, and the chairman of the Council shall close the debate if he determines that it has been exhausted. The Council may issue appropriate recommendations and wishes as it sees fit in regard to the debated matter.
At the beginning of the session, H.E Khalid Hilal Al-Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, welcomed Minister Dr. Mahad Said Baowain and invited Council members to offer views and suggestions that align with national goals, emphasizing the importance of unified efforts to achieve the common good.
Request for Discussion with the Minister of Labour
At the beginning of the session, Minister Dr. Mahad presented a brief statement on temporary employment initiatives, highlighting the 2000 contracts initiative, the million-hour initiative, and the Sahaam initiative. He discussed the nature of these programs, the number of beneficiaries, their specializations, and their geographical distribution, along with the financial cost.
The Members of the Council stressed the need for substantive solutions to stabilize the beneficiaries of these initiatives, ensuring their economic and social security. The discussion focused on the impact of temporary government employment contracts on citizens and the Ministry's plans to develop these contracts. Members also discussed the implementation of various types of private sector contracts and the challenges the Ministry faces.


The members questioned the future of existing and upcoming temporary contracts and the Ministry's plans to manage them under the current labor law, as well as the legal and administrative framework for temporary contracts in light of fluctuating labor market economics and technological advancements.
Members also urged the Ministry to evaluate the positive and negative impacts of these initiatives on the work environment and the national workforce in both the public and private sectors. The creation of a national workforce database was emphasized as a means to assess the impact and evaluate employment initiatives.
The session highlighted the need to optimize financial resources spent on temporary initiatives and to activate sustainable and effective employment programs across government entities.
Minister's Response
Minister Dr. Mahad confirmed that the temporary employment initiatives are designed to enhance job opportunities and empower Omani youth, preparing them to enter the labor market more competitively. He assured that the discussions held in the session reflect a shared commitment to promoting sustainable growth and enhancing economic and social stability.
He also confirmed that the Ministry is committed to implementing the suggestions and discussions raised by Council members and translating them into practical steps, considering all feedback to support the ongoing development goals.
Urgent Statement Regarding the Extension of Job Security Allowance
During the session, H.E.  Younis Ali Al-Mandhari, Chairman of the Committee for Youth and Human Resources and representative of the Wilayat of Izki, presented an urgent statement regarding the decision to extend the job security allowance for one year to all beneficiaries who have completed six months of eligibility, with gradual reductions. He expressed concerns about the negative effects of this decision on thousands of beneficiaries, including the financial and psychological impact of reducing the allowance.
Urgent Statement on Compensation Housing in the Wilayat of Shinas
H.E. Abdullah Surour Al-Kaabi, representative of the Wilayat of Shinas, presented an urgent statement on compensation housing allocated in wadis and khawrs as compensation for the impact of the coastal road project. He pointed out the dangers of the housing's location in low-lying areas prone to flooding, and criticized poor planning and execution.
Approval of Motion on Remote Work Implementation
The Shura Council also approved the report from the Committee for Youth and Human Resources regarding a motion on "Implementing Remote Work for Certain Positions in State Administrative Units." The motion aims to develop a remote work system to protect employees and maintain work continuity during crises. It also seeks to accelerate the digital transformation of government systems, reduce costs, and increase employee satisfaction.
Other Legislative Matters
The session also included discussions on the state’s debt collection law and a law protecting the rights of people with disabilities, both of which have been referred to the relevant committees for further study.
The session was chaired by H.E. Khalid Hilal Al-Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, and attended by H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Council, and  in the presence of their Excellencies members of the