Shura to Discuss Temporary Employment Initiatives: Implications for Business Growth and Workforce Flexibility in Oman
Muscat: The Majlis Ash’Shura is set to focus on temporary employment initiatives in specific sectors during its meeting with Dr. Mahad Saeed Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour. This event will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, as part of the third ordinary sitting of the second regular session (2024-2025) for the Council’s 10th term (2023-2027), according to Ahmed Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council.
In a statement, Al Nadabi emphasized that the meeting will tackle five crucial areas intended to assess both the current state and future prospects of temporary employment contracts. The discussion aims to address the challenges associated with these contracts within the Sultanate of Oman, as well as examine potential solutions for issues identified in both the public and private sectors.
Key topics will include reviewing the outcomes of implementing temporary government contracts and the Ministry’s strategies for enhancing these contracts. Furthermore, the session will evaluate the application of different types of employment contracts in the private sector and discuss the various challenges encountered by the Ministry.
The future of existing and forthcoming temporary employment contracts will also be a significant discussion point, particularly concerning how the Ministry plans to manage these contracts under the current labour law. Additionally, the meeting will delve into the Ministry’s vision for the legal and administrative framework governing temporary employment contracts, in light of the dynamic labour market and the advances in technology and artificial intelligence.
Al Nadabi noted that this sitting will serve as a mechanism for oversight, specifically under the request for discussion outlined in Article (68) of the Oman Council Law. He explained, “By securing a written request signed by at least five members, coupled with the majority approval of those in attendance, the Shura Council can engage in discussions with service ministers on general matters within its purview.”
One central aspect of the meeting will be the Ministry’s assessment of the positive and negative impacts of temporary employment initiatives on Oman’s workforce and work environment in both sectors.
To prepare for the discussion on temporary employment initiatives, a preparatory team led by Taher Mebkhoot al Junaibi, Deputy Chairman, has been established. This team has been focusing on relevant aspects of the topic, gathering data, identifying challenges, and proposing strategies to alleviate any negative consequences of implementing these initiatives.
Additionally, the Council’s Youth and Human Resources Committee has been actively following the issue through a series of meetings and discussions with experts to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges faced in implementing temporary employment initiatives. The committee has produced several reports and recommendations aimed at enhancing future advantages and is diligently preparing for the forthcoming discussion session.
The session will also review various bills introduced by the government, including the Draft Law on the Collection of State Receivables and the Draft Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, it will address and approve the report from the Youth and Human Resources Committee regarding a proposal for implementing remote work systems for select positions within government agencies.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The upcoming discussions on temporary employment initiatives signal a significant shift in Oman’s labor landscape, presenting both opportunities and risks for businesses. Companies poised to adapt to the evolving employment frameworks may benefit from increased flexibility in workforce management, while those that fail to align with regulatory changes could face operational challenges. Savvy investors and entrepreneurs should monitor these developments closely, considering strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that leverage temporary labor to enhance productivity and respond to market fluctuations.
