Muscat – In a move to boost employment opportunities during the khareef season in Dhofar, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has signed a cooperation programme with Dhofar Municipality to provide 1,500 part-time jobs for Omani jobseekers.

The agreement was signed by H E Khalid bin Salim Al Ghamari, Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, and Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality.

The programme aims to employ Omani jobseekers in private sector establishments participating in the governorate’s seasonal activities and events, supporting both the labour market and businesses experiencing increased demand during the annual tourism season.

Beyond creating employment opportunities, the initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between the two government entities through the exchange of expertise and field visits. It also focuses on training and preparing workers and jobseekers, including university students, to meet the needs of seasonal employers.

The programme further aims to promote legal awareness among members of the community, enhance coordination on matters of mutual interest, and address challenges related to temporary work permits issued during the khareef season.

Target beneficiaries include Omani citizens holding temporary work permits issued by Dhofar Municipality, workers employed under government contracts linked to seasonal activities, Omani employees participating in seasonal events, and owners of hotels, tourism establishments and residential facilities seeking to recruit staff for the hospitality sector. Omani volunteers engaged in seasonal activities are also covered under the programme.

The initiative is part of MoL’s ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities for Omani nationals and encourage greater private sector participation in hiring local talent. It is also expected to help businesses meet the seasonal surge in demand while equipping jobseekers with practical work experience in tourism, hospitality, retail and event management.

One of Oman’s largest tourism seasons, khareef attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, generating significant demand for temporary workers across a range of economic sectors. The new programme aims to ensure that Omani jobseekers benefit directly from these seasonal opportunities while supporting the governorate’s growing tourism economy.