Freelancinginfocusasoman readiesincentivesforsector
The National Employment Programme (NEP), in cooperation with several government and private agencies, organised an introductory workshop on a freelancing initiative of the sultanate at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday.
The workshop was inaugurated under the patronage of H E Dr Said Mohammed Ahmad al Saqri, Minister of Economy, in the presence of H E Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baawain, Minister of Labour, several businessmen, craftsmen and individuals interested in freelance careers.
The initiative aims to motivate, encourage and support freelancing activities in Oman, besides providing integrated facilities for freelancers, including financing services, self-employment platforms and account management services.
H E Dr Saqri informed that freelancing activities are increasing owing to advancements in information technology, and means of communication and transportation, noting that the sector is estimated to be worth more than Us$1tn globally.
H E Sheikh Dr Mansoor bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of Authority for Public Services Regulation and General Supervisor of NEP, said, “The programme cooperates with all government and private agencies to develop the freelancing system in Oman. The next stage requires doubling of efforts to build an integrated package of legislations that contributes to spreading the culture of freelancing and raising productivity and competitiveness in the labour market.”
On the occasion, Azhar al Kindi, Executive Director of NEP, said, “Oman is paying special attention to developing the freelancing system that attracts young people, especially jobseekers.”
According to Kindi, the initiative includes eight packages to support and stimulate freelancing in Oman, including benefiting from the social insurance system for freelancers, enabling individuals to obtain a Riyada card from the Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), and opening a bank account for freelance work.
The initiative also includes wage support opportunities provided by the Ministry of Labour, funding through interest-free loans of up to RO5,000 from Oman Development Bank, and ASMED’S financing programmes.
Kindi added that the support provided also includes allocation of up to ten per cent of Tender Board contracts for freelancers, income tax exemption (for sales of less than RO150,000 yearly), advisory services, technical support programmes and training.
During the workshop, NEP officially launched its website to introduce its goals, strategies and national initiatives which it will implement.