Transport Ministry Launches Initiatives to Enhance Employment Opportunities

Muscat, The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is implementing several initiatives to enhance employment opportunities in two distinct sectors: "the transport and logistics sector" and "the communications and information technology sector". The initiatives focus on operating governance and endorsing necessary policies to regulate the labour market within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Ma'awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that the Ministry would announce some jobs intended to be allocated entirely to Omanis from January 2025 to the end of 2027, after liaising with the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology's plan envisages 20% Omanization in the "transportation and logistics sector" and 31% Omanization in the "communications and information technology sector", said the minister. He added that the Ministry's strategy sets a minimum level for the employmen t of Omanis in proportion to the growth of professions related to the abovementioned two sectors. Accordingly, the strategy regulates work permits, oversight, inspection, professional level tests, profession designations, wage support and training. The minister pointed out that the Omanization initiative in the "transport and logistics sector" range envisages 20%-50% replacement of expats as a first phase, with effect from 2025. Then, the percentages will be raised annually until the Omanization rate reaches 100%. The target jobs fall in the maritime, air, and land transport fields, said the minister, noting that the target segments include all administrative and specialized categories. The targeted professions have been identified through analysis of the data of those occupying the jobs. As for the "communications and information technology sector", the initiative envisages 50% to 100% Omanization by 2026, said the minister. He added that the Ministry seeks to integrate the desired work system through coo rdination with partners in the two sectors. The ministry also encourages the 'Self-Employment Initiative' in the two sectors, said the minister. He explained that the step is aimed at generating employment opportunities for Omanis by dedicating, to the Self-Employment Register, some business activities that are licensed by the Ministry. The ministry will also apply the in-country value (ICV) scheme to companies that are assigned projects by the ministry, notably those awarded projects worth more than RO 3 million, with effect from 2025. Source: Oman News Agency