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Merge 104.8 | 26 June 2020
Oman’s Ministry of Transport (MoT) has issued a statement clarifying the enforcement of Omanization in delivery professions in the Sultanate.
The statement, which was issued online this evening, [Friday, June 26] said:
“The Ministry of Transport has been following up with what is being circulated on social media about a system that will be implemented to empower Omanis to work as delivery drivers and in other logistic jobs, in an effort to combat illegal, hidden trade in these professions.
The Minister of Transport, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, spoke of the move to enforce Omanization in this sector on Thursday’s [June 25] Supreme Committee meeting.
He has elaborated that the growth of e-trade and online shopping in the Sultanate — especially during the current COVID-19 situation — has made these kinds of jobs more attractive to Omani youth as they are linked to electronic trade and using new technology and new skills in customer service.
The MoT has said that same-day delivery has become a very competitive method and attractive means of business — especially during the shopping rush in the days before Eid, which showed the importance of providing the best quality of such services to the public.
The Ministry said that there are numerous significant challenges that Omani youth are facing in competing with expatriate labourers in this promising market, which has reduced the demand from Omanis for these jobs.
Such roles being carried out in this sector by expatriate manpower is considered illegal, as it has always originally been an Omanized sector. According to statistics, some electronic platforms get a daily influx of 15,000 orders, with the delivery fees being received by expatriate workers, which is considered illegal and unregistered trade.
In this sector, there are examples of Omani youth who deliver between 27 to 33 orders a day, 22 days a month, with a monthly income of more than OMR 980 — which could increase further with more orders for delivery.
Economic experts are expecting this sector to grow exponentially in the next ten years given the upsurge in E-commerce, and the Ministry is working with its partners in the logistics sector to develop a complete, integrated national platform to organize and register Omani manpower in delivery and transport services, and to integrate with other platforms to ensure the highest level of quality and professionalism, in addition to training in this sector.
Companies who have electronic platforms will be regulated to ensure that they only work with Omani delivery workers who are registered with the Ministry.”
(Also read: Re-opening of tailor shops a blessing for expat who vows to make his shop a safe place.)
