Latest news with #NationalEmploymentProgramme
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Municipal Council reviews employment initiatives
MUSCAT: The Muscat Governorate Municipal Council held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, on Tuesday. During the meeting, the council reviewed a statement from Khazaen Economic City regarding the used car market. In its statement, Khazaen Economic City affirmed that the used car market is a practical solution to the problem of random distribution of showrooms, noting that the project will regulate the market thus enabling entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to function within a conducive commercial environment. The project will also reduce the costs for sellers and consumers, provide qualitative benefits to consumers, improve operational efficiency and attract local and international investments. The Muscat Municipal Council also reviewed the statement of the National Employment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at providing job opportunities for citizens. The council approved the minutes of its previous meeting and the recommendations regarding the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's statement on the Greater Muscat Structure Plan. The council stressed the importance of ongoing institutional partnerships between relevant entities in the implementation of major strategic projects particularly those related to smart and sustainable city objectives. The council reviewed the Social Affairs Committee's recommendations regarding the Oman Down Syndrome Association. The council emphasised the importance of continuing integrated institutional work, providing supportive facilities to ensure the stability of services provided and coordinating with relevant authorities to enhance the effectiveness of current programmes and reduce operational burdens that may hamper the continuation of specialised community activities.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Khazaen's new hub to reshape used car market in Oman
Muscat: The Muscat Governorate Municipal Council held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, on Tuesday. During the meeting the council reviewed a statement from Khazaen Economic City regarding the used car market. In its statement, Khazaen Economic City affirmed that the used car market is a practical solution to the problem of random distribution of showrooms, noting that the project will regulate the market thus enabling entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to function within a conducive commercial environment. The project will also reduce the costs for sellers and consumers, provide qualitative benefits to consumers, improve operational efficiency and attract local and international investments. The Muscat Municipal Council also reviewed the statement of the National Employment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at providing job opportunities for citizens. The council approved the minutes of its previous meeting and the recommendations regarding the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's statement on the master plan for the Greater Muscat Project. The council stressed the importance of ongoing institutional partnerships between relevant entities in the implementation of major strategic projects particularly those related to smart and sustainable city objectives. The council reviewed the Social Affairs Committee's recommendations regarding the Oman Down Syndrome Association. The council emphasized the importance of continuing integrated institutional work, providing supportive facilities to ensure the stability of services provided, and coordinating with relevant authorities to enhance the effectiveness of current programmes and reduce operational burdens that may hamper the continuation of specialized community activities. The council also reviewed a number of letters from relevant authorities on topics related to planning and regulatory aspects. These included proposals to create new urban uses and regulate service activities in commercial centres as well as reviewing the regulations governing lease contracts for shops located within residential buildings, in an effort to achieve urban harmony that responds to changing realities and enhances the quality of urban planning in the governorate.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan climbs Future of Growth Index, advances in innovation, digital inclusion
AMMAN: Jordan has advanced in the Future of Growth Index, making a remarkable progress in innovation, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience, according to a new government report. The Kingdom's performance was detailed in the first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025). According to the report, a copy of which was sent to The Jordan Times, the Kingdom has recorded scores of 45.1 in innovation, 53 in inclusiveness, 58.2 in sustainability, and 55 in resilience, out of a possible 100 in each category. To strengthen its innovation pillar, particularly in knowledge-based employment, the report said that the Ministry of Labour launched a national action plan to employ 1,000 job seekers across various governorates under the Productive Branches Initiative and provide career counselling and evaluation services. An analytical study was also conducted to assess the effectiveness of the National Employment Programme and to identify labour market challenges facing its beneficiaries. In a move to bridge the digital divide, especially in underprivileged regions, the government introduced the Jordanian Digital Inclusion Policy 2025. The policy aims to expand internet access through infrastructure upgrades and increased digital outreach, targeting a higher rate of internet usage among the population, the report said. Jordan has also partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to conduct the 2025–2026 Executive Opinion Survey. The survey, which includes a nationally representative sample, will contribute qualitative insights for the 2026 edition of the Index. The Ministry of Planning took part in the forum's opening session to ensure accurate representation of Jordan's data in global assessments. Additionally, the government is reviewing sub-indicators related to the Index and coordinating with relevant institutions to address performance gaps and enhance future scores. The first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025) said that the government has made a number of decisions aimed at enhancing Jordan's position as a global destination. The report, released by the Council of Ministers, outlined major economic initiatives and trends observed in the first four months of the year. The report said that the government has granted sales tax exemptions to the "Jerash Eco-Tourism City Project" and exempted professional license fees for commercial and tourism establishments operating within the Petra Development and Tourism Region. According to the report, the government has achieved 'substantial' progress in several regulatory reforms in the tourism sector, including the endorsement of the 2025 bylaw for Hotel and Tourism Establishments, as well as amendments to the bylaws governing the Jordan Hotel Association and the Association of Travel and Tourism Offices. Work has also commenced on drafting new regulations for travel agencies and tourism companies. Business activity showed 'remarkable' improvement during January-April period, the report said, with the number of newly registered companies rising by 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. A total of 2,372 companies were registered between January and April, up from 2,091 during the same period in 2024. The report said that the total registered capital exceeded JD66 million, citing data from the Companies Control Department, with limited liability companies accounting for the majority of registrations, totalling 1,723 companies, 72.6 per cent of all new businesses The report also noted a significant 49 per cent decrease in company closures or deregistrations. Only 376 companies were removed from the registry, compared to 741 in the same period last year. Net capital increased dramatically by 518 per cent, reaching approximately JD590 million, compared to JD145 million in the first third of 2024. A total of 624 companies increased their capital by nearly JD617 million, while 97 companies reduced theirs by around JD79 million. The report also cited 'solid progress' in infrastructure development linked to healthcare and medical education. Construction of the new Faculty of Medicine has reached 67 per cent completion, while 79 per cent of the associated university hospital has been completed, both part of a broader national project aimed at enhancing Jordan's medical education and healthcare services. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: 100% Tamkeen wage support urged to boost employment
Bahrain - A proposal to bolster Bahrain's National Employment Programme by increasing wage support to 100 per cent and introducing new mechanisms to ensure job stability has sparked debate among legislators. The proposal by Parliament's financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Marafi, submitted formally to Parliament yesterday, calls on the government to develop the current programme administered by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) by fully covering employees' salaries during the support period, and ensuring workers' long-term retention after the support ends. In his explanatory memorandum, Mr Al Marafi highlighted the importance of Tamkeen's wage support initiative, describing it as one of the most significant efforts to promote employment and reduce unemployment among Bahrainis. 'Tamkeen's wage support programme is a key driver in helping Bahraini talent start their careers in the private sector and in encouraging institutions committed to employing national cadres,' said Mr Al Marafi. 'However, it is necessary to develop the programme to meet the current demands of the labour market.' Under the current system, Tamkeen offers several options: * Three-year programme: 70pc wage support in the first year, 50pc in the second, and 30pc in the third. * Alternative three-year programme: 50pc wage support consistently over three years. * Five-year programme: 30pc wage support throughout. * Special provisions: 40pc wage support for engineers over five years, and an additional 10pc support for candidates with disabilities across all categories. Mr Al Marafi argued that increasing the wage support to 100pc would alleviate the financial burden on companies and incentivise them to hire Bahraini jobseekers. 'This proposal will encourage companies to recruit jobseekers by reducing their financial responsibilities, making them more willing to absorb national manpower,' he said. 'It would also create a more stable employment environment, with companies committing to keeping employees for at least three years.' He suggested penalties for companies that terminate employees prematurely. 'We must establish mechanisms ensuring that if an employee continues to work after completing the probationary period under the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law, it is considered a sign of satisfaction with their performance,' Mr Al Marafi explained. 'Companies that dismiss employees after the probationary period, but before completing the three-year term should face penalties to reinforce the commitment to labour stability.' Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam referred the proposal to the services committee for review in co-ordination with relevant authorities. However, the proposal drew a cautious response from some legislators, including the vice-chairman of the services committee, Mohammed Al Olaiwi, who defended the current partial support structure. 'I am not saying the proposal is wrong, but it encourages dependence rather than empowerment,' he said. '100pc wage support means someone is just getting employed to do work for a business with the government paying all as if it were the employer.' Mr Al Olaiwi argued that the existing system, which requires employers to share the wage burden, better prepares companies to sustainably retain workers once the government support ends. 'The current mechanism is more realistic,' he said. 'Employers must take responsibility for paying wages. Otherwise, when the government support ends, companies may simply terminate workers instead of retaining them.' The services committee is expected to issue a report with its recommendations after completing its review of the proposal. mohammed@
Observer
17-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's investment climate strengthens in 2024
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) held its annual media briefing on April 17, 2025 under the slogan 'Partnering for Synergy'. Senior ministry officials, media representatives, economists, and influencers attended the event, which showcased the ministry's achievements in advancing the national economy, improving the investment environment, and simplifying procedures in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. In 2024, the number of registered commercial records reached 441,773, a 14 per cent increase from the previous year. Domestic trade contributed RO 19.127 billion to GDP, while foreign direct investment rose to RO 30.042 billion, with the oil and gas sector accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the total. The total volume of trade stood at RO 40.943 billion, including RO 24.23 billion in exports. Non-oil exports contributed RO 6.23 billion, and re-exports stood at RO 1.71 billion. Over the past five years, the investment sector more than doubled, and industrial sector contribution's rose by 7.7 per cent. Trade volumes grew by 15.4 per cent during the same period In terms of employment, 18,437 Omanis were hired across key sectors in the second half of 2024, and 10,891 more were employed in Q1 2025, reflecting a 67.7 per cent increase. MoCIIP affirmed its continued commitment to Omanisation and collaboration with the National Employment Programme and private institutions. The ministry also launched multiple initiatives in 2024, including the WhatsApp channel 'Tejarah', the investor feedback portal 'Ishrak', and the Najd Agricultural Zone Guide to promote investment in food security. It also announced the first Advantage Oman Forum to be held in April 2025. Foreign direct investment rose to RO 30.042 billion in 2024 Digital transformation remained a major focus, with 827,129 transactions completed on the Oman Business Platform in 2024 and over 1.2 million through Sanad Service Centres, which now number 913. Customer satisfaction reached 84 per cent, and MoCIIP received the 2024 Customer Service Award. Furthermore, 14,685 conformity certificates were issued electronically, and 1,000 new standards were accredited to improve product quality and competitiveness. To enhance the investment environment, MoCIIP reduced commercial registration fees for foreign investors and launched new tools such as the Investment Dashboard and Economic Events Calendar. Sixty-eight investment opportunities are listed on the Invest in Oman platform, and 90 projects are under development. As of February 2025, 3,407 investors from more than 60 countries received residency under the Investor Residency Programme. The Ministry also introduced the Rapid Intervention Window via the 80000222 hotline to support investors in resolving challenges promptly. Oman Exports was introduced to expand the non-oil export base, offering market intelligence, licensing support, and global trade tools for Omani companies. The Nazdahir Programme and Oman Centre for Strategic Partnerships aim to strengthen the private sector and attract global partnerships, while ongoing trade negotiations support Oman's integration into international markets. The Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre reported a continued decline in harmful practices, receiving just 15 complaints and 7 economic concentration requests in 2024. It is transitioning to a fully digital platform and expanding awareness efforts. Seven new laws and regulations were issued in 2024, covering commercial activity governance, conformity standards, LPG regulation, and foreign investment restrictions. Overall, the ministry's achievements in 2024 reflect significant progress in facilitating investment, supporting national employment, and fostering an integrated, technology-driven business ecosystem.
