Muscat – The government is actively considering a proposal to increase the minimum wage for Omanis to RO400, according to H E Dr Mahad Said Baowain, Minister of Labour.

In an interview with a local news channel, the minister outlined that while RO400 is the government’s preferred figure, the decision is still under review. “As a government, we tend to favour setting the minimum wage at RO 400. However, this remains a proposal subject to further evaluation,” H E Baowain said.

He added that the proposal will undergo thorough assessment by the concerned authorities, Council of Ministers and all relevant stakeholders before any final decision is made.

H E Baowain explained that the proposed wage range of RO360 to RO400 was developed with inputs from a technical team of National Employment Programme and Directorate General of Planning and Labour Market Policies. “We have sent an initial draft to the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers. The hike in minimum wage depends on the average of monthly wages and annual inflation rate, and it may range between RO360 and RO 400,” he added.

The current minimum wage for Omanis stands at RO325, regardless of qualifications. H E Baowain stressed the fact that the proposed increase is based on economic factors. “Our goal is not to reduce wages. This is purely an economic matter based on supply and demand,” he said.

On job creation, he said the ministry aims to employ 45,000 people, including 24,000 in the private sector, 10,000 in the public sector and 11,000 through training linked to employment this year. He added that those who have been laid off would be given priority for these opportunities.