Muscat – Majlis a’Shura held discussions with H E Dr Mahad bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour, on Sunday to address labour market challenges and support economic growth. The session focused on temporary employment initiatives aimed at enhancing job opportunities for Omanis and supporting the country’s national development goals.

H E Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis a’Shura, said the session was held following a request for deliberation on the subject. “The visions and proposals presented align with national objectives,” he said, adding that the aim is to unify resources and channel efforts to achieve public welfare.

H E Baowain described the discussions as meaningful, focusing on initiatives central to the national development strategy and aspirations of Omani citizens. “The session addressed key strategic initiatives, including the Employment Contracts Initiative, the One Million Hours Initiative and the Sahem Programme,” he said. These efforts aim to strengthen the national workforce, empower Omani youth and prepare them for the labour market.

He added that the meeting reaffirmed shared visions and a deep understanding of the labour sector’s priorities. “The discussions reflected strong awareness of national data by Shura members and a commitment to shaping policies that contribute to sustainable growth, economic stability and social welfare,” he said.

H E Baowain noted that the consensus achieved during the session highlighted the spirit of cooperation and trust among all stakeholders. “It shows that challenges, no matter how significant, can be overcome through joint efforts,” he said. “The Ministry of Labour is committed to translating these discussions into actionable steps, incorporating observations raised during the session, and using these as the foundation to support the goals of the renewed renaissance.” He added that these steps aim to open new horizons for Omanis and support the aspirations of the Omani people.

The session also examined implementation and development of temporary government employment contracts, as well as the challenges faced in private sector employment contracts. Discussions explored the future of temporary employment contracts and the Ministry of Labour’s strategy to align these with the current Labour Law.

A key focus was on establishing a legal and administrative framework for temporary employment contracts. The ministry’s vision takes into account labour market fluctuations, advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, and the positive and negative impacts of temporary employment initiatives on Oman’s workforce in both the public and private sectors.