Muscat: The National Programme for Employment will soon launch a self-employment initiative in the Sultanate of Oman for young people, offering them social security and access to a decent way of life and stability.

Speaking to Times of Oman’s sister publication Shabiba’s radio programme, Ghassan bin Fadl, the head of the economic track in the National Employment Programme, said the initiative aims to support self-employment in the Sultanate.

The initiative seeks to provide a set of incentives for self-employed persons.

Legal and regulatory frameworks have been developed for the purpose, including funding, platforms showcasing private businesses, accounts management services and social protection.

Dr. Mansoor Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of Oman Authority for Public Services Regulation and Supervisor General of the NEP, said the self-employment initiative forms a cornerstone of the development of sustainable solutions in the management of employment in Oman.

It was with this in view that the National Employment Programme (NEP) organised an introductory workshop on self-employment in Oman on Sunday.

A number of government and private establishments took part in the workshop at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The workshop was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy.

In his opening speech, Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri said that self-employment is gaining ground due to development in information and communications technology, and that it accounts for a $1 trillion economy worldwide.

A visual display featuring the experience of young people in the field of self-employment was also screened during the workshop. They spoke about the advantages and challenges of self-employment.

Ghassan said “The goal is to launch this initiative at the beginning of next year. Work is on to complete some procedures in the system.”

According to specialists in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, work is underway on finding modalities to provide and expand support to self-employment ventures, and it is expected that in the first quarter of 2023, this package will be complete in its form, and those wishing to join this work will be able to register via electronic platforms.

Source: Times of Oman