In a decision H E Darwish bin Ismail bin Ali al Balushi Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs has directed all government-owned enterprises - from those with 40 per cent government stake to complete ownership - to stop bonuses till further notice. The decision is part of the measures being taken to cut the budget deficitwhich has grown past RO3bn this yeardue to falling oil revenues.

Most government employees Muscat Daily spoke to acknowledged Oman is going through difficult times and that they have accepted the fact that there might be no incentives or bonuses in 2016. Not many would be contesting the decision they feel.
Widespread support for decision

Najat al Busaidy senior occupational therapist at the Armed Forces Hospital and chairperson of the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities said 'I agree that bonus is a form of recognition for hard work and a way to encourage employees to perform in a much professional manner with better future productivity.

Yet the important point that needs to be highlighted is as Omani citizens we stand to support our country's economic status through understanding and accepting the current financial situation in a positive way rather than being upset or by being not thankful to our government.

'It is a time of crisis and we should stand as one till we get through this difficult time. Let's view it from a different angle - accepting this decision as a part of our personal social responsibility towards the Omani government.'
Asila Mohammed al Kalbany director Ministry of Manpower's Information Systems and Internet Application Department said not getting a bonus in 2016 will not be a surprise.

'The country is going through a financial crisis and I cannot forget that. We will get it when good times prevail. I am happy in my present position and will continue to work with the same enthusiasm as I have always been doing.'
Rashid al Hinai deputy director of public health in Seeb Muscat Municipality said 'We respect the decision. We do not work for bonuses. It is my country and all decisions will be followed.'

An official from the Oman Airports Management Company said that workers were expecting bonus but it wouldn't be right to press for it looking at the economic situation. 'We are working under government guidelines and would function as advised. The workers were expecting bonus but we understand the current economic situation and it would be unfair to propose demands that are unjustifiable' he said requesting anonymity.

More than bonuses employees should be happy that their jobs are safe an official said. 'The year has not been great for business and employees are aware of the situation. What is important is that their jobs are safe. The coming year doesn't look very promising either.

So there won't be many who would want to contest the decision' said a senior official who manages several hospitality properties for Omran.

Another government employee said the decision should be welcomed. 'We must be realistic in our expectations. Oil prices are sliding every day. This decision should be welcomed. I am sure the situation will not last long.'

H E Balushi had in a statement on Monday stated that measures to rationalise expenditure have been initiated with cooperation from all government units.

'The current situation requires everyone to join hands to tackle the deficit' he had stated adding that all officials involved in government affairs have been briefed on the steps.
Differing opinions

Saud al Salmi chairman of the trade union at PDO and also the Oman Oil and Gas Sector trade union was of a slightly different opinion. He said that bonuses are linked to performance and nobody wishes to get his emoluments cutwhether fixed or variable. 'If a worker has performed to the level that is required of him why shouldn't he be paid for that?'

He said the decision was not timed right as many employees were expecting a bonus with the start of the new year.

Salem al Mashani former Majlis A'Shura member from Taqah Dhofar called it a short-sighted measure.'Most partly-owned government companies are making enough profits and should not be holding back bonuses due to their employees. Bonuses are a way to reward employees who have excelled which is why they deserve it.'