MUSCAT: More than 300 companies with over 70,000 workers have applied for terminating workforce and salary reductions, Oman’s Minister of Labour said on Sunday.

In an interview with Oman TV, His Excellency Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain said the ministry has prevented the companies from taking harsh decisions. “The Ministry of Labour is trying not to layoff the workforce and there are 300 establishments demanding the demobilization of Omanis and they have 70,000 workers. We have made efforts to ensure that Omanis remain in their jobs without terminating their services” the Minister said.

“We have a weekly committee that meet these companies and urge them not to take stiff action of termination and to a greater extent the team has also helped in contributing to some flexibility in retaining some employees,” he added.