Oman’s recent momentum in labour reform, social protection, and tripartite dialogue is setting a strong regional example, according to International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo following his official visit to the Sultanate. He praised Oman’s comprehensive implementation of the 2023 Labour Law, progress on the unified Social Protection Law, and strengthened structured social dialogue, all aligned with the country’s Vision 2040 reform initiative. These efforts are positioning Oman as a regional leader in creating more resilient and inclusive labour markets.
During his visit, Houngbo held high-level discussions with senior government officials, employers’ and workers’ representatives, and national institutions to review recent labour and social policy reforms and identify priorities for continued collaboration. He highlighted that the unification of social protection schemes, expanded maternity and paternity benefits, and a renewed emphasis on social dialogue are key measures placing Oman at the forefront of labour and social policy in the region.
The Director-General met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, the Minister of Labour, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss implementation of the 2023 Labour Law, the rollout of the Social Protection Law, strengthening employment and wage protection systems, and preparations for ratifying priority international labour standards, including the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183).
Houngbo also addressed the ILO’s first tripartite regional workshop on International Labour Standards in the Arab region, hosted by Oman’s Ministry of Labour. He described the workshop as a strategic step to advance social justice and decent work across Arab States by building regional capacity on international labour standards and strengthening government, employer, and worker engagement.
Meetings with the General Federation of Oman Workers and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted steps to advance structured social dialogue, promote inclusive representation, support enterprise-level compliance, and institutionalize the Committee for Joint Dialogue between Production Parties established under the 2023 Labour Law.
Consultations with the Social Protection Fund focused on consolidating Oman’s unified social protection system, enhancing actuarial and governance capacities, expanding coverage to all residents, and strengthening cooperation between the SPF and the ILO.
At the National Forum for Joint Dialogue, Houngbo welcomed Oman’s commitment to a robust and inclusive dialogue framework aligned with international labour standards and encouraged continued ratification of additional conventions. He commended Oman’s plans to further improve labour market governance through enhanced employment policy development, labour inspection, and adherence to international labour standards covering social protection, occupational safety and health, and social dialogue.
