Call to attract more Omanis to private sector jobs

The private sector should have similar working conditions as in government jobs to attract more Omanis, feels an official of Zubair Corporation.

M. Ridha Abdul Latif, Vice-President of Group Services in the corporation, expressed his views at a reception held here in honour of the graduates of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), who have been short-listed as potential candidates for jobs in the corporation.

Ridha agreed there have been some apprehensions among Omani nationals to take up jobs in the private sector.

"It is not salary but also other factors," said Ridha who is working with one of Oman's biggest private business houses. He said in a year a private sector employee works two months and 18 days more than a government employee.

"Anomalies like these should be removed if more Omanis are desired to join the private sector," reckons M. Ridha.

He revealed Zubair Corporation has an ambitious plan to create jobs for Omani nationals.

"There are jobs involving high degree of technical skills. We need people with skills to deal with such jobs." The company has decided to absorb 15 SQU graduates this time. "We will announce a shortlist of 54 candidates for the final selection," he said.

The 54 short-listed candidates will go through the routine procedure of personal interviews before finally selecting 15 candidates, the names of whom will be announced on August 24.

The company has picked up students with three Grade Point Average (GPA) out of four. "These graduates will join the corporation as full fledged employees." However, he added they would be given on-the-job training for the first two years.

"We are looking for commitment, potential to learn and willingness to be part of a team in choosing potential employees."

Ridha said the corporation has achieved 40 per cent Omanisation against government's given target of 20 per cent. "We hope to attain 55 per cent by 2005 and 75 per cent Omanisation of our staff by 2010."

Explaining the reason for absorbing only 15 SQU graduates, he said: "The number (15) is only for this time. We will recruit again in January." According to him, this time graduates are picked up strictly according to the requirement.

"This is only from the SQU. Then we have graduates from other institutes and also some walk in candidates."

Recounting his experience, Ridha proudly said the young Omanis are keen to work and are very committed.

Recently, Oman's Ministry of Manpower commended Zubair Corporation's automotive division for its efforts in the direction of Omanisation.

Oman's government is keen to provide employment to jobless Omanis and has constantly urged the private sector to play a major role in this drive.