Since His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took office, his commitment to addressing employment issues and job seekers, ensuring a decent life for citizens, and enhancing the social protection system nationwide has been evident.
In his speech on January 11, 2022, he noted, “we are encouraged by what has been accomplished in the employment file despite the difficult stage.”
Later, on November 18, 2023, during the annual session of the Council of Oman, he emphasised “linking education curricula to the requirements of economic growth.”
On February 28, 2024, he met with representatives from the private sector and SMEs, stressing “the importance of a robust partnership between the government and private sectors to establish projects and investments that contribute to economic diversification, GDP growth, and job opportunities for citizens.”
The issue of job seekers, in its national, economic, and security dimensions, is paramount. Efforts to replace expatriates with Omanis in various sectors have seen remarkable successes in some areas while others lag. This requires a realistic and transparent assessment.
Notably, the military and security services have achieved significant success in job localisation, particularly within the Sultan’s Armed Forces and the Royal Oman Police, continuously attracting Omani graduates with efficiency and professionalism.
In 2024, Oman needs a 'revolutionary' vision that transforms the employment landscape, moving beyond conventional approaches. We need broad national discussions involving government units, the Shura Council, the private sector, and others. While acknowledging past efforts amidst financial and economic challenges, new strategies are necessary to address this issue comprehensively.
Given the sensitivity of this issue, closely tied to the Omani economy’s ability to generate job opportunities, I propose a comprehensive 'government summit' involving all stakeholders: the Council of Ministers, military and security agencies, private sector, business leaders, and academic institutions. This summit should include accomplished Omanis working abroad to discuss the employment challenges, labour market imbalances, minimum wage issues, and the impact of merging the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Civil Service.
It should also address economic openness, foreign investment’s role in job creation, and investment in Omani human capital. Until now, we are still grappling with basic questions like the real number of job seekers and the definition of middle and senior jobs. Official statements, despite good intentions, often miss the mark.
Furthermore, relying solely on the Ministry of Labor for employment solutions is unrealistic. The core issue is economic. We need to involve external experts from prestigious universities and international consulting firms to enrich the dialogue on employment, economy, labor market, and investment in human capital.
Integrating the private sector’s role with 'Oman Vision 2040' goals is crucial, and we should learn from international experts like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company.
A well-prepared 'government summit' can revitalise the employment issue, placing it within its appropriate national framework. While recognising the importance of financial prudence, the aspirations of our people towards a prosperous future must not be solely dictated by numbers and budgets. Efforts to expand economic diversification and generate job opportunities must challenge conventional economic views and drive real achievements.
Thanks to the Royal directives, the Omani government has significantly controlled state finances, with hopes for major economic victories.
Current efforts to attract foreign investment and support SMEs are substantial, but unless the Omani economy can create ample job opportunities for citizens, the questions of employment will remain pressing.
We need to accommodate the annual influx of graduates from prestigious universities into meaningful jobs, addressing the limited opportunities in both government and private sectors reliant on government spending.
We must break free from outdated approaches by organising a comprehensive 'government summit' to discuss and implement actionable steps aligned with Oman 2040 Vision.
This will send a positive message to the countless graduates and job seekers and affirm that in Oman 2024, we are committed to the country’s glory and prosperity, honouring Oman and its people.
(The original version of the article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on July 1, 2024)
Translated by Badr Al Dhafari
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