OCCI addresses banking access challenges for private sector workforce

Business Thursday 16/October/2025 16:59 PM
By: ONA
OCCI addresses banking access challenges for private sector workforce

Muscat: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) convened a strategic dialogue addressing financial accessibility challenges facing Omani private sector employees. The high-level consultative session, coordinated with the Ministry of Labour, gathered representatives from government institutions, employer associations, labour organisations and the banking sector to develop solutions for enhancing workforce financial inclusion.

Participants examined systemic barriers limiting private sector employees' access to conventional banking products and explored potential frameworks to address these challenges while strengthening economic security for Oman's private sector workforce.

The dialogue featured comparative analysis of international models for employee banking services and examined practical mechanisms balancing stakeholder interests while maintaining private sector operational stability. Key proposals included developing tailored financial products for private sector employees and establishing enhanced inter-institutional cooperation to improve financial service accessibility.

These recommendations will advance to the main tripartite production committee for formal review and development of an implementation roadmap, with coordinated follow-up mechanisms through relevant authorities.

Meeting participants emphasized maintaining ongoing stakeholder coordination and proposed subsequent technical sessions to address regulatory and operational aspects of banking services for both current and former private sector employees.

The session included representation from multiple key entities including the Ministry of Labour, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, General Federation of Oman Workers, Social Protection Fund, Central Bank of Oman, Oman Banks Association, Oman Insurance Association, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.