New rail project and 5-day visa revealed at Tanfeedh in Oman

Muscat: Tanfeedh’s plans for the future of Oman are breathtaking in their scope, including a new rail project, better connections across the GCC, a dedicated labour disputes court and a drive to have 2.7 million tourists visit the Sultanate by 2020.
The 121 proposals unveiled to the public this morning are the results of a series of “labs” where public and private sector bosses cut through the red tape of Oman to create a road map for the Sultanate’s future.
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Also included in the 121 plans for Oman is the need to free up customs processes, a drive to have tourism revenue of 1.8bn by 2020 and 10,000 jobs for young Omanis.
The public phase of the huge government undertaking also lists “iconic” tourism projects and the freeing up of visa processes for “target” countries Oman would like to bring more tourists from.
Visas for workers will also be streamlined down to a five-day process, according to the proposals, and “freedom of movement” and part-time working will be introduced.
Tanfeedh wants to amend restrictive labour regualtions, set up 'one-window' clearance for labourers, create-part time job options, attract private investment in the tourism sector, enhance current logistics systems, increase infrastructure and connectivity.
These initiatives are the result of six weeks of discussions attended by more than 250 officials from 160 government and private institutions at Tanfeedh.
The Tanfeedh process is Oman’s solution to issues surrounding a non-oil future for the Sultanate, bringing together private and public sector agencies to streamline doing business in the country and to iron out problems.
Today, 121 projects vital to the future of the Sultanate of Oman was unveiled by Tanfeedh organisers.
From 9am until 9pm over the next three days, thousands of residents are expected to pour through the doors of Oman’s new convention centre to give their feedback.
Talal Sulaiman Al Rahbi, deputy secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Planning, said that both Omanis and non-Omanis can participate in the survey, which will contribute to shaping the economic future of Oman.
“People can participate in the survey at an exhibition. They can take part in the survey online. Both Omanis and non-Omanis can participate in the survey, which will contribute to shaping the economic future of Oman,” the official said.
Tanfeedh has invited the nation to view the outcome of six weeks of meetings and workshops that welcomed around 78 chief executive officers and representatives from the private sector.