(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in coordination with the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), is conducting a nationwide survey to know if child labour prevails in the sultanate.
A high-ranking MoSD official, however, said that the study is not a result of any alert received in this regard. ''This does not imply that we were alerted of any such case. We have our own plans. The ministry specialises in conducting studies in the social field, finding the root cause of issues and giving recommendations to address them,'' said Khalfan bin Harib bin Saif al Jabri, Director General of Planning and Studies, MOSD.
''Till now, the Ministry of Manpower has no record of any prevalence of child labour reported from any part of the country. Scientifically, we need proof. Childhood protection is one of our responsibilities,'' he said, giving the reason behind the study.
Oman's Labour Law puts the minimum age of employment at 18 years. However, there are relaxations to this rule for 16 to 18 year olds wishing to work. ''Exceptions are made with conditions on working hours, and keeping in mind nature of the job. They cannot work in evening or night shifts and in hazardous areas,'' Jabri said, emphasising that employing those aged younger is not allowed by law. ''Our study - which we hope to complete by year-end - is on children below 16. If the findings are negative, then good. If not, we will look into it as we do with other social issues,'' he said.
Jabri also spoke of the ministry going digital with social services. ''Social security funding is among the many services the ministry delivers. Most of the eligibility procedures for applicants are required to be done at other ministries and are currently carried out manually. Now, we are moving towards integrating our database with that of these offices so that access to information on applicant becomes easi
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