There has been a surge in the number of people who have lost jobs in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic last year, according to a new report published by the country’s workers union. 

According to an annual report published by the General Federation of Oman Workers Union (GFOW) has informed that more than 6,000 Omani workers were notified about the termination from 120 companies last year. “This is due to the repercussions of the continuing global decline in oil prices, as well as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and its impact on the companies including closing commercial activities during the outbreak,” the report stated.

“6,341 workers were notified of termination of their services from 120 companies, while the number of labour related complaints have reached 1,971 and 34 legal notices were prepared in support of the workers,” GFOW said.

In January, Dr.Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour had informed that more than 300 companies with over 70,000 workers had applied for terminating workforce and cutting salaries. “There are 300 establishments with more than 70,000 workers demanding the demobilisation of Omanis. We have made efforts to ensure that Omanis remain in their jobs without terminating their services,” the Minister said in an interview with Oman TV.

EPL will boost market

The number of expatriates working in the country has also fallen by 14 percent. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) stated that there are now 1.148 expatriates working in various private sector companies. 

Meanwhile, investors and business owners in the country have stated that the Economic Stimulus Plan (EPL) approved by His Majesty Sultan Haitian Bin Tarik will help to revive the Omani economy. 

Some of the highlights from EPL include setting aside OMR20 million to train Omani jobseekers, reduction in expat recruitment fees, postponement of loan repayments until September for citizens affected by the pandemic and long-term residency for foreign investors. “EPL will certainly boost the market especially at a time when the Covid-19 related issues have hit the businesses,” added Biju Raphael, an expat businessman in Muscat.  

SOURCE: TIMESOFOMAN