Muscat: On Monday, a group of job seekers and workers who had their services terminated went to the Ministry of Labour’s directorates, pleading with officials to resolve their situation at a time when the government is forging ahead with its citizen employment initiative.

Through its training and replacement of foreign personnel in the public sector with Omani workers, the government is creating job possibilities. The government also makes it easier to get work in several sectors of the private sector. This includes today’s notification that the appointment procedures for 2,364 teachers for the School Year 2021-2022 have been finalized, as well as the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy’s announcement of receiving a new batch of recruits yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Job Security Fund (JSF) began disbursing dues to workers whose services were terminated in November 2020, in accordance with procedures allowed at the time. By April 2021, the number of JSF beneficiaries had surged to 6,413, comprising 78.7% men and 21.3 per cent women.

The JSF supports those who have lost their jobs due to factors beyond their own. The JSF aids laid-off workers bridge the gap between their past employment and their new one. It offers insured workers appropriate living conditions, including a time-limited payout equal to or a fraction of their prior salaries, as well as assistance in seeking employment.