ILO
Delegation Reviews Social Protection, Trade Union Systems in Oman

Muscat,
16 Dec 2025 (ONA) — A delegation from the International Labour Organization
(ILO), led by Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, paid an official
visit to the Social Protection Fund.

The
visit aimed to enhance cooperation between the ILO and the Fund and review the
efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in strengthening its social
protection system.

During
the visit, a meeting was held to review a number of subjects related to the
social protection system and discuss the ongoing cooperation program between
the Fund and the ILO.

The
Director-General of the ILO praised Oman’s efforts in enhancing and developing
the social protection system, noting the importance of sharing this successful
experience with neighboring countries to foster regional cooperation in this
field.

He
stressed the necessity of joint action to face challenges encountered by social
protection institutions in various countries. He clarified that social
protection is one of the most prominent topics discussed in important
international forums, such as the G20 Summit, to ensure the rights of all
segments of society, including migrant workers, and to provide social
guarantees that contribute to enhancing social justice at the global level.

The
meeting was attended by Dr. Faisal bin Abdullah Al Farsi, CEO of the Social
Protection Fund, and a number of officials from the ILO and the Social
Protection Fund.

The
ILO delegation also visited the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) to
review the GFOW’s experience and the trade union system in the Sultanate of
Oman. This visit aims to reinforce efforts directed at improving legislation
supporting trade union rights and freedoms, paving the way for the Sultanate of
Oman to sign ILO conventions related to trade union rights and freedoms.

A
meeting was held during the visit to discuss avenues for ongoing cooperation
between the GFOW and the ILO and to develop areas for future partnership. This
reflects the level of progress in dialogue and partnership among the three
parties of production in the Sultanate of Oman. Legislative amendments,
represented in the Labor Law and the Social Protection Law, were also
discussed, along with ways to implement the priorities and axes included in the
National Program for Decent Work, and joint activities with the ILO in this
regard. Furthermore, the GFOW’s efforts to enhance tripartite social dialogue
among the parties of production according to international labor standards were
reviewed.

The
meeting included a presentation that shed light on trade union structures in
the Sultanate of Oman, numbers and distribution of labor unions and general
sectoral unions and key activities, programs, and awareness campaigns implemented
by the GFOW. It also highlighted the participation of women in trade union work,
major legislative developments included in the Labor Law and the Social
Protection Law and the latest local legislation related to the protection of
rights of non-Omani workers.

The
Director-General of the ILO praised the efforts of the General Federation of Oman
Workers and the evolution of the roles of labor unions, considering them a pioneering
model in the region. He affirmed his readiness to enhance the existing paths of
cooperation between the GFOW and the ILO as required by the current stage.

The
meeting was attended by Nabhan bin Ahmed Al Batashi, Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the General Federation of Oman Workers, and a number of officials
from both sides.

—Ends/AG