Muscat – The Ministry of Labour has announced that only 53% of the employment target for the second quarter of 2023 has been achieved.

In the government sector, the ministry announced accomplishment of 92% of its employment and replacement target, equating to 9,169 jobs. The private sector added 7,399 jobs, or 46% of the target.

The combined efforts of both sectors have successfully generated 18,716 employment opportunities, achieving 53% of the ministry’s goal for this quarter.

These figures include both new recruitments and those who transitioned between roles, with the total job turnover in the private sector being 16,486. Consequently, the sum of fresh recruitments and those transitioning roles was 35,202 for this period.

A notable aspect of the ministry’s strategy is its focus on training linked with employment and replacement. The government sector provided 611 such opportunities, achieving a 31% completion rate. The private sector, on the other hand, offered 1,537 opportunities – or 22% completion rate – through training and replacement.

Acknowledging the potential of self-employment in diversifying the job market and offering a flexible career path, the Ministry of Labour has also initiated a programme to foster this avenue. A total of 941 individuals have been enrolled in this self-employment initiative, which integrates them into various training programmes.

These programmes are designed to prepare them for opportunities in both local and international markets, catering to a range of academic qualifications and specialisations.

The ministry reiterates its dedication to employment, recognising it as the basic element of the national economy in alignment with Royal Directives.