Maritime Labour Convention

Oman: 100th Member State to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006)

Oman is the 100th Member State of the ILO to have ratified the Convention.

News | 31 March 2022
On 29 March, the International Labour Office received the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) by Oman, which became the 100th Member State of the ILO to have ratified the Convention. Oman is the first Gulf country to commit to this landmark instrument.

The strategic geographical location of Oman has enabled it to become a business and logistics hub for maritime traffic for Europe, Asia and Africa. The ratification of the MLC, 2006 by Oman is expected to enhance the protection of working and living conditions of seafarers not only in the country but also in the region.

An official ceremony with the Government of Oman, the ILO Director-General and the Secretaries - General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) will be held on 11 April to mark the 100th ratification of the MLC, 2006.

In 2019, the Office launched a global campaign, in cooperation with ICS and ITF, aimed at reaching 100 ratifications of the Convention to celebrate the Centenary of the ILO. Referring to the success of the campaign. Mr Barcellona, ITF Seafarers’ and Inland Navigation Section Coordinator, welcomed the 100 ratifications milestone. “This achievement must remind all of us that only through continuous dialogue between stakeholders, effective implementation and updating, the MLC, 2006 will remain relevant and increase its appeal for further ratifications” – he added.

Ms Shaw, Director of Employment Affairs of ICS stated that “the MLC, 2006 provides a globalized approach to workplace standards for seafarers, to ensure better implementation and enforcement. If universally applied, the Convention will provide a level playing field across the world. This 100th ratification demonstrates the commitment of countries to decent working and living standards on board and comes at a time during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone must work together to ensure that seafarers rights are honoured. The ICS continues to encourage further ratifications to ensure commitment on a global basis for a safe and pleasant working environment for all”.

The MLC, 2006 will enter into force for Oman on 29 March 2023, one year after its ratification.

For further information, please visit the MLC, 2006 webpage.