The Youth and Human Resources Committee of the Shura Council hosted this morning (Monday) a number of  representatives from the Labour Market Committee and the Energy and Mining Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). The meeting aimed to discuss the impact of implementing the Wage Protection System (WPS) and the employment opportunities available in the energy and minerals sector for job seekers and those who have been laid off.

The Specialists from the OCCI emphasized the importance of a phased implementation of the Wage Protection System, starting with large and medium-sized enterprises, while exempting small and micro-enterprises due to the additional financial and operational burdens, such as salary transfer fees and the costs associated with opening bank accounts for workers. These costs represent a significant challenge, particularly given the current economic conditions. The representatives also recommended continuous awareness campaigns about the WPS and suggested the formation of a joint task force between the Ministry of Labour and the OCCI to study various sectors and consider temporary exemptions for some. They stressed the need to provide sufficient time for businesses to align with the system’s requirements.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Sultan Hamid Al-Hosani, head of of the Committee, and in the presence of their Excellencies members of the committee, discussions a number of  topics related to enhancing job opportunities in the energy and minerals sectors and increasing Omanisation rates in the oil and gas sector, particularly in positions currently occupied by expatriate workers. The committee also addressed the need to identify existing job vacancies in the energy and minerals sectors.
The meeting explored future job prospects in these sectors and underscored the importance of equipping the national workforce with the skills necessary to meet market demands. There was also a focus on re-employing individuals who have been laid off in the energy and minerals sectors.
The discussions also included strategies to strengthen and support Omanisation efforts, provide training and employment opportunities for job seekers, and bridge the gap between academic qualifications and job market requirements. Emphasis was placed on preparing Omanis to assume technical and leadership roles in the energy sector and on developing human capital in alignment with the needs of employers through specialized training programs.
The meeting also addressed the importance of developing professional competencies and enhancing the competitiveness of the local industry to operate on an international level, especially in the fields of sustainable hydrocarbon and renewable energy management. Mechanisms for better coordination with relevant authorities regarding employment in the energy sector were also discussed.
The committee members deliberated with stakeholders on the role of the Labour Market Committee in monitoring and addressing employer concerns related to the WPS and associated penalties. The Chamber’s efforts to study the implications of the system on private sector institutions, in collaboration with relevant authorities, were also highlighted, aiming to find practical solutions that serve the interests of all parties and promote economic growth and job sustainability.
Discussions included the Labour Market Committee’s initiatives to develop labour legislation and support a balanced relationship between employers and employees to ensure the sustainability of the labour market in the Sultanate of Oman. The Committee’s pivotal role in identifying challenges and proposing sustainable solutions in coordination with the tripartite production stakeholders was also emphasized.
Extensive dialogue was held to find practical solutions to the challenges arising from the implementation of the Wage Protection System. Stakeholders stressed the need to benefit from the experiences of other GCC countries and recommended reconsidering current penalties, suggesting administrative rather than financial sanctions for the time being. They also highlighted the importance of involving the Chamber in the implementation of laws and regulations governing the relevant sectors.
The committee reviewed a number of matters referred to it, including a petition submitted by a group of female biomedical technicians regarding salary adjustments for their role at Nizwa Hospital.