Muscat – The Ministry of Labour (MoL) is studying a move to raise the minimum wage to the RO360-RO400 range, according to H E Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Ba’owain, Minister of Labour.

Speaking at the ‘Together we Progress’ forum, H E Ba’owain said, “We are currently reviewing the minimum wage. We have sent an initial draft to the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers. The hike in the minimum wage depends on the average of monthly wages and the annual inflation rate and it may range between RO360 and RO400.”

Currently, regardless of qualification, Omani workers are paid a minimum salary of RO325. “Our goal is not to reduce wages. This is purely an economic matter based on supply and demand,” H E Ba’owain added.

According to him, the ministry will launch ‘Khatwa’, the first national interactive electronic platform that provides students and jobseekers specialised counselling services and comprehensive data on study programmes in higher education and employment opportunities.

Regarding layoffs and promotions, he said these can happen in the private sector only in the presence of all parties involved, in accordance with clear legal controls. “The ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, is currently studying the issue related to late promotions of 2013 to 2018 batches.”