OCCI Addresses
Banking Access Challenges for Private Sector Workforce

Muscat, 16 Oct
(ONA) — Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) convened a strategic
dialogue addressing financial accessibility challenges facing Omani private
sector employees. The high-level consultative session, coordinated with the
Ministry of Labour, gathered representatives from government institutions,
employer associations, labour organizations and the banking sector to develop
solutions for enhancing workforce financial inclusion.

Participants
examined systemic barriers limiting private sector employees’ access to
conventional banking products and explored potential frameworks to address
these challenges while strengthening economic security for Oman’s private
sector workforce.

The dialogue
featured comparative analysis of international models for employee banking
services and examined practical mechanisms balancing stakeholder interests
while maintaining private sector operational stability. Key proposals included
developing tailored financial products for private sector employees and
establishing enhanced inter-institutional cooperation to improve financial
service accessibility.

These
recommendations will advance to the main tripartite production committee for
formal review and development of an implementation roadmap, with coordinated
follow-up mechanisms through relevant authorities.

Meeting
participants emphasized maintaining ongoing stakeholder coordination and
proposed subsequent technical sessions to address regulatory and operational
aspects of banking services for both current and former private sector
employees.

The session included
representation from multiple key entities including the Ministry of Labour,
Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, General Federation of Oman Workers,
Social Protection Fund, Central Bank of Oman, Oman Banks Association, Oman
Insurance Association, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Authority.

— Ends/Khalid