Omani workers call on government to increase the minimum wage
Workers earning Oman’s minimum wage are calling for the government to increase their salaries to meet rising costs spurred by inflation.
The minimum wage is set at 325 Omani rials (Dh3,100) after an increase from 200 Omani rials by the ministry of manpower in 2013.
Most citizens who earn the minimum wage work in the retail sector or low-level administration jobs.
“I think it is time the govern- ment increased the minimum wage to a decent level, so we can look after our families properly,” said 27-year-old Raeed Al Balushi, who works at an electronics showroom. “It is too hard to live on 325 rials a month. You don’t get a lot for your shopping bag.”
Over the past three years, the average inflation rate in Oman has been 4.3 per cent, mainly driven by food and fuel price increases, according to government statistics.
The cost of petrol at the pump has increased by almost 75 per cent since the government scrapped its fixed-price policy in January 2016 from 114 baisa (Dh1.1) per litre for regular petrol to 186 baisa in February this year.
Khalifa Al Naadi, 31, a school bus driver, said he was working as a taxi driver in his spare time to earn extra money.
“Food prices have gone up a lot in the past three years. I don’t bring home enough money to support my children,” he said. “Petrol is also expensive, and I struggle to make ends meet.
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Abdulrahim Al Saadi said he was collecting signatures to file a petition to the Majlis Al Shura, an elected legislative body, to increase the minimum wage.
“I’m doing my rounds with the help of a few friends to get signatures from all minimum wage earners to send [the petition] to the Majlis Al Shura,” said the 29-year-old administrative assistant.
According to Omani law, Majlis Al Shura would need to approve the petition, which would then need final approval by the cabinet of ministers.
For Mr Al Saadi and fellow campaigners, raising the minimum wage to 450 Omani rials would be considered fair.
Although there is no minimum wage set for civil service jobs, salaries in the public sec-