Muscat: The Ministry of Labour and the Safety and Security Corporation have joined forces to establish the Unified Inspection Unit of the labour market. This initiative, which came into effect this month, aims to create a fair investment environment in Oman.
According to an official at the Ministry of Labour, the unified inspection unit is currently operational in three governorates: Muscat, North Al Batinah, and Dhofar.
In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman, Sheikh Nasr bin Amer Al Hosni, Undersecretary of Labour at the Ministry of Labour, emphasized that the main objective of these new agreements is to promote fair competition and provide a healthy investment environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and investors. By ensuring that only legal institutions can compete, this initiative will undoubtedly benefit SMEs and investors. Furthermore, the new procedures will enable individuals seeking better opportunities to rectify their situation and pursue legal employment.
Al Hosni also highlighted the unified inspection unit's plans for gradual expansion across all governorates. It is important to note that the original activities of inspection teams will continue in the remaining governorates, he added. The Undersecretary of Labour emphasized the significance of employing specialized staff in security and inspection to support the expansion of these services nationwide, which will require the employment of thousands of individuals.
Regarding the unit's role, Al Hosni emphasized the close collaboration between Ministry of Labour inspectors and the security unit.
Sheikh Nasr bin Amer Al Hosni
Throughout the Ministry's inspections, the security team complements the efforts by offering security support services and aiding in the transportation of offenders to labor welfare centers. Al Hosni states that in Oman, illegal activities are typically minimal, with the majority of individuals abiding by the law. Rare exceptions exist, and the Ministry's primary objective is to address these outliers in order to safeguard investors from any illicit activities.
Positive investment environment
In addition, the Ministry of Labour has emphasized its commitment to creating a positive investment environment, promoting healthy competition, and fostering growth. This commitment is evident in the Ministry's efforts to provide business owners with opportunities to obtain licenses for various types of businesses, thereby fostering a competitive and equal labor market.
To ensure that private sector facilities receive an international-level monitoring service that meets the standards set by international organizations, the Ministry has partnered with the Safety and Security Corporation. This partnership will benefit investors and the overall investment environment in the Sultanate.
The Ministry of Labour has stated that the unified inspection unit's collaborative efforts align with government directives to strengthen the inspection sector by incorporating security support services. These efforts also involve the implementation of new policies to organize the Omani labor market, increase inspection campaigns on non-compliant establishments and undocumented labor, and streamline procedures prior to inspection operations.
