The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) welcomed the ministerial decision to amend fees for issuing and renewing recruitment permits of the expatriate workforce in the senior and middle-level positions in technical and specialized professions and added that it will have a positive impact on the job market and Omani economy.
Nabhan bin Ahmed al Batashi, chairman, GFOW, said that the decision comes in line with Oman 2040, which aims at Sultanate figuring among the top countries of the global competitiveness index.
He added that this decision will help create opportunities to replace the expatriates with the national workforce, which will open new horizons for them and develop their skills in new jobs and sectors.
Al Batashi said the decision will tip the scales in favor of the national workforce when employers compared the cost of providing manpower to citizens and bringing the non-Omani workforce and the decision can be reviewed later if the situation calls for it, so as to achieve a greater balance in the labor market.
He added that in the coming period, there will be a greater role for national labor at the leadership levels.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour said that its specialists are ready to listen to the demands of the business owners on their manpower needs and prepare a replacement plan supported by the government so that operating cost is less and work is carried out efficiently.
The ministry said the decision aimed at raising the cost of hiring expatriates in professions that have a demand from a large number of citizens with practical experience in different fields. The ministry has been also offering support through wages, training, and rehabilitation.
The Ministry added that the replacement of Omani cadres will reduce the operational costs of any organization and it will be reflected positively on the services provided to the public.
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