Salalah – The Ministry of Labour (MoL) discussed challenges facing the private sector and proposals to modernise employment systems and improve services for businesses during a meeting with employers and investors in Dhofar on Sunday.

H E Dr Mahad bin Saeed Baawain, Minister of Labour, met business leaders at the Dhofar branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of the Labour Forum 2026.

The meeting included a session titled ‘Strategic Dialogues and Shared Visions with the Private Sector for a Sustainable Labour Market’.

Discussions focused on improving employment and training programmes for Omanis, aligning educational outcomes with labour market requirements and responding to evolving economic conditions.

The ministry stated that the forum aims to strengthen its partnership with the private sector and establish direct channels for employers to raise concerns and present proposals related to employment and business operations.

2,944 expats deported

Separately, the ministry said it carried out 3,992 field inspections across the sultanate during the first half of 2026 to monitor compliance with the Labour Law and related ministerial decisions.

The inspections recorded an overall compliance rate of 69.5%.

The ministry conducted 2,915 inspection and awareness visits to monitor occupational health and safety, with 1,728 establishments found to be fully compliant.

Measures taken against non-compliant businesses included guidance, verbal warnings, written notices and formal violation reports.

MoL also found 11,127 expatriate workers violating labour regulations during the six-month period. Of these, 2,944 were deported, while 4,680 cases were referred to the Public Prosecution.

According to the ministry, its inspections are part of efforts to develop a fair, safe and sustainable workplace, protect the rights of all parties and strengthen the regulation and efficiency of the labour market.