National
Forum Held to Foster Dialogue, Build a Modern, Sustainable Labour Market

Muscat,
17 Dec 2025 (ONA) — The National Forum for Joint Dialogue commenced its
proceedings in Muscat today, engaging stakeholders in critical discussions
aimed at enhancing Oman’s work environment. Central themes included
establishing a dedicated platform for exchanging insights and expertise, and
addressing the challenges facing the labour market amidst evolving local and
global economic dynamics.

In
his opening address, Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour,
underscored that joint dialogue is a cornerstone of Oman’s national approach,
fundamental to strengthening the constructive partnership between the
government, employers, and workers. This tripartite collaboration, he stated,
is vital for reinforcing economic and social stability and advancing the
nation’s sustainable development agenda.

“Oman’s
experience over the years has proven that dialogue is far more than a
communication tool,” the minister affirmed. “It is an entrenched
national value and an effective instrument for resolving challenges, balancing
rights with responsibilities, and fostering a cohesive work environment that
promotes both productivity and equal opportunity.”

The
Minister of Labour highlighted the significant evolution of social dialogue
following the enactment of the Labour Law. Article (141) of the law formally
established the Social Dialogue Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Labour
and comprising representatives from all three production parties. This
framework is designed to enhance collective consultation and ensure meaningful
participation in shaping labour policies.

This
legislative foundation, he explained, facilitated the reconstitution of the
Joint Dialogue Committee and has enabled the active engagement of social
partners across several specialized bodies. These include the Committee for
Settling Collective Labour Disputes, the Committee for Arbitrating Collective
Labour Disputes, and the Occupational Safety and Health Committee.

The
Minister of Labour added that to ensure nationwide inclusion, the scope of
dialogue has been expanded through subcommittees operating across all
governorates. This structure allows labour issues to be addressed at the local
level and strengthens communication within workplaces. The Ministry continues
its strategic partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO)
through a Technical Committee overseeing the National Decent Work Program,
guided by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010 and renewed in 2022.
This cooperation ensures access to technical support, expert consultation, and
the implementation of programs that contribute to a more robust and sustainable
labour market.

The
minister further noted that multi-stakeholder national committees, such as the
Oman Human Rights Committee and the National Committee for Combating Human
Trafficking, have been instrumental in developing a comprehensive national framework.
This framework promotes compliance with international labour rights,
strengthens protective measures, safeguards fundamental freedoms, and protects
vulnerable groups within the workforce.

Concluding
his remarks, the Minister of Labour reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering
commitment to collaborating with all social partners to deepen constructive
dialogue, cultivate a fair and sustainable work environment, and bolster Oman’s
national economic competitiveness.

Addressing
the forum, Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour
Organization (ILO), stated that the event reflects Oman’s determined pursuit of
a cohesive, advanced, and equitable labour market. “This forum embodies a
deep-seated national commitment to fostering cooperation and building trust
among all labour market actors,” he said.

He
commended the collaborative efforts between the General Federation of Oman
Workers and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), highlighting progress
in enterprise-level collective agreements and initial steps toward sectoral
negotiations. “These are positive indicators of a maturing culture of
dialogue, which enhances stability, productivity, and social justice,” he
added.

The
ILO Director-General affirmed the Organization’s continued support for Oman,
expressing readiness to assist in reviewing the Labour Law through the lens of
international labour standards. This support extends to safeguarding workers’
representatives, strengthening protections against arbitrary dismissal, and
delivering capacity-building programs for both employers’ and workers’
organizations.

The
overarching aim of the forum is to showcase Oman’s experience as an advanced
national model for institutionalizing social dialogue. It serves to review
achievements in legislative modernization, trade union development, workforce
upskilling, training program expansion, and the strengthening of collective
bargaining mechanisms—all aligned with the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040
for a competitive, knowledge and innovation-driven economy.

The
forum’s agenda featured a series of working papers, including presentations on
the Ministry of Labour’s experience in dispute resolution through dialogue, Oman
Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s perspective on the employer’s role in
fostering partnership and the General Federation of Oman Workers’ initiatives
to embed a culture of social dialogue.

Additional
papers addressed the role of the Social Protection Fund, the empowerment of
persons with disabilities, and Oman’s engagement with the platform economy.

The
forum was convened with the participation of representatives from the
government, employers’ associations, workers’ unions, and numerous institutions
concerned with labour market and economic development. Its organization
reaffirms Oman’s steadfast commitment to the principles of constructive
dialogue and tripartite partnership, which are regarded as fundamental pillars
for ensuring enduring economic and social stability and supporting the nation’s
sustainable development trajectory.

—
Ends/Khalid