Covid 19: More than 6,000 nationals lost jobs in Oman

The Covid19 pandemic has resulted inmass jobloss of Oman citizens. According to the annual report of the General Federation of Oman Workers Union (GFOW), 6,341 native workers received termination notices from 120 companies last year.

The report said that the continuous global oil price slump and the closure of commercial operations due to the pandemicoutbreak were responsible for the termination of employment. Last year, 1971 labour related complaints were filed and34 legal notices in support of the workers, GFOW said.

In January, Minister of Labour Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba'owainannounced that more than 300 companies employing more than 70,000 workers had approached the Labour Ministry to approvefor dismissal of Omanisand wage reduction. However, some companies had taken a decision in the best interest of natives to remain in their jobs without termination in favour of the ministry's efforts.

Meanwhile, the latest stats also show that there has been 14 percent decline of the number of expat workers in the country. Investors and businessmen are hoping that the Economic Stimulus Package (EPL) approved by the Sultan last week will boost the sultanate's economy.