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Locals and expats living in Oman may soon be able to do part-time work according to the Implementation, Support and Follow-up Unit’s (ISFU’s) annual report.
The initiative is expected to help the country’s workforce adapt to the current economic conditions.
“It aims to provide part-time work opportunities in the private sector for Omani employees and job seekers to stimulate an environment that creates part-time job opportunities, in addition to enhancing the flexibility of non-Omani workforce movement among establishments registered under the same entity,” the report said.
The ISFU is an independent entity that provides support to governmental entities and assists them in better implementing their plans and programmes based on governance structure and key performance indicators. Unlocking part-time and temporary work and enabling flexible movement of labour is part of the IFSU’s new projects.
According to ISFU, unlocking part-time work “also aims to allow the recruitment of non-Omani workforce with temporary licenses in some specialised professions.”
The initiative aims to activate the electronic systems of the initiative and conduct a comprehensive study on the decisions and policies that have been adopted and implemented, as well as focusing on the media and awareness aspect of the initiative, the IFSU 2019 report stated.
Dr Ahmed Al Hooti, the head of economic research at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said the decision to allow for short-term work would benefit many in the country who were currently looking for employment opportunities, as well as fresh graduates, and those who felt they could supplement their existing income, Times of Oman reported.
“We have an increasing demand for employment in the country, particularly among young Omanis,” Times of Oman quoted Al Hooti as saying.
“Some of them would like to work temporarily, rather than be fixed somewhere, because then they can switch easily from one job to another. Temporary jobs will be more useful to the youth, especially those who are fresh graduates. They can work this way and get some more experience and training.”
In Saudi Arabia, only nationals can opt for the part-time work programme, which is expected to come into effect in July. The kingdom's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has made it conditional that the working hours for a part time worker should be half the normal working hours in the firm.
Any employee working on a part-time work contract in an enterprise owned by a Saudi employer, will be counted in the Saudization percentages in Nitaqat. He will also be registered in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) as a part time worker.
In the UAE, a part-time work permit can be issued to all employees registered at the Ministry of Labour and who hold valid labour cards. Students over 18 years of age and government employees also can apply for part-time work permit.
(Writing by Seban Scaria, editing by Daniel Luiz)
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