Oman labour ministry clarifies Ooredoo layoffs; 114 accept two years’ salary as severance offer

In an official clarification, the ministry said it coordinated with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and contacted Ooredoo’s management to investigate the matter. 

The inquiry revealed that the company had offered affected employees the option to resign voluntarily in exchange for a severance package equivalent to 24 months’ full salary.

According to the ministry, 114 employees accepted the offer, while 11 employees, around 9% of the total, declined the offer. “The Ministry wishes to clarify that, in coordination with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, it contacted the management of the concerned establishment. 

It was found that the company had offered employees proposals to submit their resignations in exchange for receiving a comprehensive salary for a period of 24 months,” the statement said.

The ministry added that it has summoned representatives from Ooredoo’s management, the company’s labour union, and the General Federation of Workers of the Sultanate of Oman to engage in discussions aimed at reaching a mutually agreeable solution. 

Reaffirming its stance, the Ministry of Labour said it remains committed to safeguarding the rights and job stability of Omani nationals employed in the private sector, stressing that it will continue to monitor labour practices and intervene when necessary to protect workers’ interests. “The Ministry affirms its full commitment to following up on all matters that would enhance the stability of all Omani citizens working in the private sector,” it said. 

However, people continue to question the move, arguing that the outcome amounts to a layoff in practice, albeit one softened by a severance cushion equivalent to 24 months’ salary. They doubt that employees may have agreed under pressure, noting that refusal would likely have led to termination sooner or later. 

Some observers have raised questions about the legal implications of such practices, and whether similar approaches are increasingly being normalised across the industry.

The labour ministry’s reassurance has eased some concerns about oversight of the layoffs matter, even as public criticism continues to grow.