The Eighth Meeting of the India-Oman Joint Working Group on Manpower was held in Muscat on 28th December, 2022. The Indian delegation was led by Ambassador Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs-I), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Omani delegation was led by H.E. Sayyid Salim Musallam Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Human Resources Development, Ministry of Labour, Sultanate of Oman.

2. The MoU between India and Oman in the field of Manpower was signed on 8th November, 2008. The 1st meeting of the India-Oman Joint working Group (JWG) on Manpower was held on 24-25 June 2010 in New Delhi and since held at regular intervals alternatively in India and Oman and provide an opportunity to highlight various issues that impact the living and working conditions of Indian workers and professionals in Oman.

3. India and Oman enjoy warm and friendly relations. Both sides held fruitful and productive discussions on a wide range of issues related to labour and manpower mobility and shared the progressive and visionary approach of their Governments. The Indian side welcomed the progressive labour reform measures adopted by Oman over the past years and their commitment towards the protection and promotion of labour rights. Both sides agreed to adopt integrated approach to promote the welfare and well-being of workers, including streamlining recruitment and to enhance co-operation for time-bound resolution of issues of mutual concern.

4. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss and review the entire gamut of labour and manpower cooperation related issues. It was agreed to hold the next round of Joint Working Group meeting in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates.

***