25,000 jobs for Omanis is historic move, says Oman’s Majlis Al Shura

“Jobs creation is a good thing but sustaining the job is another thing,” added Madhu GN, associate vice president (Strategy) at Al Siraj Holdings. “That will require development in mindset and skills of people. I think there are several vacancies that can be filled by Omanis like tourist guides, for example. But for this there is a need for a mindset shift, which is coming. It may take another year, but it will be here. I think the retail and services sector is where this employment can be created in Oman.”

The council had also promised action against private sector establishments that do not cooperate with the government’s Omanisation drive.

“The Council of Ministers has urged private sector establishments to accord maximum priority to Omanisation in their programmes and projects, noting that there are actions to be taken against the establishments, which do not cooperate with the efforts of the government in its strive to support employment and Omanisation policies,” the government said.

In addition, they have been working throughout the year to arrive at a suitable and sustainable solution to all aspects of unemployment.

“The topic of job seekers was and has always been present on the agenda of the Council of Ministers,” the government said, with Al Barwani adding, “My message to all is not to rush, not everything is constantly published, they must trust that there are competent authorities that exist to work on such issues.”

The Council of Ministers also approved a set of ‘executive steps,’ which will be carried out concurrently with the first stage of the employment plan. These aim towards providing suitable conditions that will enable the government to continue to absorb more job seekers in line with its plans and programmes aimed at achieving the overall objective.

The decision has been welcomed by many Omani job seekers. “I feel happy and optimistic, especially that the news came after a long period of silence from the officials; this was expected from His Majesty since he always intervenes wisely to solve any problems,” said a 27-year-old Omani job seeker.

“The last decision is going to cover 40 per cent of Omani job seekers, and a large category of the Omani economy and the presence of a proportion of young graduates of the various supporting certificates needed by the market during this period,” said another citizen.