Oman’s labour reform momentum sets a strong example for the region, says ILO Director-General

MUSCAT (ILO News) – Oman’s accelerating reform momentum in labour governance, social protection and social dialogue is setting a strong example for the wider region, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said at the conclusion of an official visit to the Sultanate.

He commended the country’s comprehensive approach to implementing the 2023 Labour Law, advancing the unified Social Protection Law and strengthening structured tripartite dialogue, in line with the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 reform initiative. The Director-General also noted that these reforms position Oman at the forefront of regional efforts to build more resilient and inclusive labour markets.

During his visit, Houngbo held high-level meetings with senior government officials, employers’ and workers’ representatives, and national institutions to review progress under recent labour and social policy reforms and to identify priorities for continued collaboration.

© Affan Al Mazidi/ Ministry of Labour of Oman

“Oman is building a labour market that looks to the future by modernizing its labour market, expanding social protection and strengthening the foundations of tripartism,” Houngbo said. “The reforms undertaken in recent years – particularly the unification of social protection schemes, expanded maternity and paternity benefits, and renewed emphasis on social dialogue – position Oman as an emerging leader in labour and social policy in the region. Oman can rely on the ILO as a long-term partner in building a labour market anchored in justice, dialogue, modernization and inclusion, in support of Vision 2040.”

© Affan Al Mazidi/ Ministry of Labour of Oman

The Director-General met with Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Labour Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baawain and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi. Discussions focused on the implementation of the 2023 Labour Law, the rollout of the Social Protection Law, strengthening employment and wage protection systems, and ongoing preparations for the ratification of priority international labour standards, including the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183).

© Affan Al Mazidi/ Ministry of Labour of Oman

As part of his programme, the Director-General addressed the ILO’s first tripartite regional workshop dedicated to International Labour Standards in the Arab region, hosted by Oman’s Ministry of Labour. He described the workshop as a strategic step towards advancing social justice and decent work across the Arab States, by building regional capacity on international labour standards and strengthening the engagement of governments, employers and workers in standards-related obligations and procedures. He noted that the workshop comes at a transformative moment, as Arab countries reshape labour markets, invest in skills and build modern, data-driven labour institutions.

© Affan Al Mazidi/ Ministry of Labour of Oman

Meetings with the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) highlighted recent steps to advance structured social dialogue, promote inclusive representation, support enterprise-level compliance, and encourage the institutionalization of the Committee for Joint Dialogue between Production Parties established under the 2023 Labour Law.

© Affan Al Mazidi/ Ministry of Labour of Oman

Houngbo also held consultations with the Social Protection Fund (SPF), a central actor in the country’s social reform agenda. Discussions covered steps towards consolidating Oman’s unified social protection system, enhancing actuarial and governance capacities, expanding protection to cover all residents, including nationals and all non-national workers, and advancing cooperation between the SPF and the ILO.

© Affan Al Mazidi/ Ministry of Labour of Oman

The Director-General additionally addressed the National Forum for Joint Dialogue, where he welcomed Oman’s commitment to building a more robust and inclusive dialogue architecture aligned with international labour standards. He encouraged the Sultanate to continue considering the ratification of additional international labour standards. Houngbo highlighted that Oman’s expressed interest in further strengthening its engagement with international labour standards reflects a constructive and forward-looking approach that supports both national ambitions and international best practice.

At the conclusion of his visit, the Director-General commended Oman’s plans to continue improving labour market governance, including through supporting employment policy development, enhancing labour inspection, and advancing the ratification of additional international labour standards, particularly those relating to social protection, occupational safety and health and social dialogue.