Muscat: The 'Towards a More Sustainable Social Dialogue' forum concluded on Tuesday with key recommendations aimed at strengthening labour policies, enhancing economic stability and fostering inclusive social dialogue.
Organised by the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the event brought together government officials, business leaders and trade union representatives to discuss strategies for a more sustainable labour market.
The forum underscored the importance of structured social dialogue in balancing the interests of the government, employers and workers. Experts highlighted that clear and fair labour regulations not only improve job security and workplace conditions but also boost Oman’s global competitiveness and attractiveness for investment. However, several challenges remain, including governance gaps, procedural hurdles and limited community participation.
While Oman has gradually institutionalised social dialogue through trade unions and the Joint Dialogue Committee, gaps in implementation persist. The lack of a dedicated administrative office, specialised personnel, and governance mechanisms continues to hinder progress.
Additionally, Oman’s new Labour Law introduces key committees for dispute resolution, but stakeholders noted that legislative and procedural barriers still limit their effectiveness.
Another key concern is the restricted involvement of the broader community in policy discussions. Without a national framework ensuring fair representation, social dialogue risks being dominated by select stakeholders rather than reflecting the interests of the wider workforce.
To address these challenges, the forum put forward several strategic recommendations.
Stakeholders called for the establishment of a dedicated office for the Joint Dialogue Committee, which would provide the necessary oversight and expertise to implement social dialogue initiatives effectively. Expanding stakeholder representation was also recommended to ensure that labour market policies reflect the perspectives of diverse groups, including workers, employers and civil society.
Furthermore, participants emphasised the need to address legal and procedural shortcomings in order to streamline dispute resolution mechanisms and improve governance structures. A national framework should also be developed to enhance community participation in shaping labour policies, ensuring that a broad range of voices contribute to decision-making.
Additionally, the forum encouraged Oman to align its labour regulations with international best practices by ratifying key global conventions, strengthening the country’s commitment to fair and transparent employment standards.
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