Ministry of Manpower introduce ‘hire-and-fire’ policy in the private sector

The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) is all set to unleash major reforms in the labour sector. It is introducing a clause on ‘hire-and-fire’ policy as part of the updated Omani Labour Law.

Speaking to media representatives last week on the initiative to provide 25,000 jobs to citizens, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, said that the government felt the time was right to initiate labour reforms by introducing the ‘hire-and-fire’ policy. “The updated labour law will have sections under Article 41 that deal with the ‘hire-and-fire’ policy. It provides the company conditional rights to fire an employee. Before taking action, the firm must provide reasons that why the employee needs to be fired,” he said.

“However, the clause demands that the same job if held by an Omani cannot be given to a foreigner. The position should be filled by another Omani who should be appointed before the fired employee is out.”

The new regulations aim to protect employers and improve the productivity of Omani workforce. “According to the new regulations, it will be mandatory for an employee to work for two years. After this period, it becomes the employee’s prerogative to continue with the job.”

To boost Omanisation, MoM officials have been meeting with heads of companies in various sectors. “Two recruiting companies in the private sector, named Target and Mujeed, have been appointed by the ministry for compiling and expediting the process of employing Omanis.”

While Target will deal with job seekers who are graduates, diploma holders and above, Mujeed will take care of candidates with high school education and below.