BEIRUT (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Omani government, worker and employer representatives today signed an agreement to further collaborate on promoting decent work in the Gulf state.

The signing on the side-lines of the 103rd International Labour Conference in Geneva will extend the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) in Oman, begun in 2010, until 2016.

"The Sultanate is taking steady steps towards consolidating the concept of decent work through activating the partnership between tripartite constituents, to create a work environment that provides greater rights for workers and allows them to fulfil their duties, strengthening their role in contributing to economic productivity," Oman’s Minister of Manpower, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Bakri said before the signing ceremony.
Through the programme’s second phase, the ILO will continue to work closely with the tripartite partners to bolster the national employment agenda and enhance access to decent work opportunities in the Sultanate.

“We are delighted to accompany our Omani constituents into the next phase of tripartite commitment - a national vision for a modern world of work that carries rights and opportunities for all," said ILO Regional Director for the Arab States Nada Al-Nashif at the Conference.

The extension of the programme was signed by Nada Al-Nashif, Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Bakri, the Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions Nabhan Ahmed Al-Battashi, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Said Saleh Al-Kiyumi.

DWCPs are the ILO’s main vehicle to work with government, worker and employer organizations on promoting the “decent work” agenda, by supporting national initiatives in the area of employment promotion, rights at work, social dialogue and social protection using a results-based approach.

"Omanization"

The new DWCP for Oman will focus on four priorities, topped by the “Omanization” of employment policies. This process will see effective employment policies supporting productive work in the private sector and decreasing economic dependence on foreign labour.

It will also strengthen technical and vocational education and training, as well as employment services. The aim is to enhance the employability of Omanis, especially young women and men, including people with disabilities. And it will promote a culture of entrepreneurship through the creation of an enabling business environment, as well as the provision of small and medium enterprise support services for youth.

Social Dialogue, Labour Administration and Social protection

The new programme will continue to strengthen social dialogue processes and mechanisms for the development of social and economic policies.

It will also support labour administration to enforce the application of labour law in compliance with International Labour Standards that encompass anti-trafficking, and strengthen labour inspection and labour dispute settlement institutions.

Introducing and amending national legislation related to the Unemployment Insurance Fund will form the fourth priority of the DWCP’s new phase.

The Sultanate has ratified four of the ILO’s eight core conventions since its accession to the Organization in 1994. In June 2010, Oman became the second Gulf state to sign a DWCP after Bahrain adopted its programme in March of the same year.

For more information please contact Ms Salwa KANAANA - kanaana@ilo.org or Ms Reham RACHED - rached@ilo.org