Latest news with #SocialProtectionFund
Observer
10-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
SPF redefines equity with social changes
Muscat: In line with Oman Vision 2040, which places citizens at the core of development, Social Protection Fund (SPF) is emerging as a pioneering model in building a responsive, inclusive, and transparent welfare system. Far from being a top-down provider of benefits, the Fund engages directly with society to shape its policies and adjust to evolving socio-economic realities. In this exclusive interview, Oman Observer spoke with Malik bin Salim bin Suleiman al Harthy, Director-General of Entitlements at the SPF, who shed light on the Fund's mechanisms for identifying benefit priorities and how public participation translates into more equitable and efficient outcomes. Al Harthy began by emphasising the importance of the Royal Decree No 52/2023, which marked a turning point in Oman's welfare reform. 'The law reflects a shift toward a holistic model of protection, combining social insurance and cash benefits to offer life-cycle coverage,' he said. The executive regulations of the law (R/7/2023) clearly outline eligibility conditions and entitlements, providing the legal basis for a sustainable and inclusive protection system. According to Al Harthy, interaction is not limited to feedback collection. 'We use advanced tools — social media, traditional media, in-person meetings, and field visits — to understand public needs. All this data is methodically analysed to inform our policies.' This participatory approach has already led to tangible results. For instance, the Family Income Support Benefit was introduced for households whose income falls below the legally defined threshold. The application process is streamlined through a digital platform, integrated with national data sources to ensure accurate eligibility assessments. The impact of this engagement is evident in several newly introduced benefits. Malik bin Salim bin Suleiman al Harthy 'The Senior Citizens Benefit was developed after careful demographic study and public input,' Al Harthy said, noting that the benefit now supports over 170,000 individuals. Similarly, the Maternity and Paternity Leave Insurance — a first in Oman and rare in the region — was launched based on international best practices and national studies. 'It's an investment in families. Mothers are entitled to 98 days of paid leave, and fathers to 7 days, which strengthens family bonds and promotes gender equality.' The SPF's commitment to transparency underpins its public credibility. 'We clearly publish the eligibility rules, application procedures, required documents and payment timelines,' said Al Harthy. Beyond administrative clarity, the Fund ensures consistent public communication through outreach events, media appearances, and feedback forums across all governorates. Civil society representatives also sit on the SPF Board of Directors, ensuring community perspectives are embedded in the decision-making process. Unlike traditional systems that review policies every few years, the SPF applies continuous impact evaluation. 'We analyse economic indicators, inflation, household structures and labour market shifts to regularly review and adapt benefit schemes,' Al Harthy explained. This agile model prevents resource misallocation and ensures support reaches those who genuinely need it, even as conditions evolve. 'The International Labour Organization called our pension unification reform a 'model structural transformation' in the region,' said Al Harthy. In 2024, Oman received the ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and the Pacific, with additional recognition for other projects. Al Harthy closed the conversation with a powerful message: 'We are not merely providing assistance — we are building a modern social contract. Justice is not shaped from offices but forged with people, in the field, by listening and adapting.' With robust legislation, digital tools, and a participatory spirit, Oman's Social Protection Fund is setting a benchmark — not only in the region but globally — for how governments can partner with citizens to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
State Council reviews study on diversifying Oman's sources of income
Muscat – The State Council discussed a study titled ' Mechanism for Diversifying Sources of Income in the Sultanate of Oman' during its fifth meeting on Monday. The meeting was chaired by H E Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council. The study reviewed the current state of the Omani economy and existing sources of national income. It also outlined international experiences in tackling challenges related to income diversification and financial sustainability. Concluding the discussion, the study stressed the importance of exploring future opportunities and provided recommendations for diversifying income sources across various economic sectors. The Council also reviewed a report by the Social and Cultural Committee regarding its meeting with officials from the Social Protection Fund to discuss mechanisms for implementing the social protection system. Additionally, the Council's bureau reviewed reports submitted by members following their participation in regional and international forums, along with updates on ongoing progress reports © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
State Council discusses study on diversifying sources of income in Oman
Muscat: The State Council's office today discussed a study titled "Mechanism for Diversifying Sources of Income in the Sultanate of Oman." The discussion took place during the State Council's 5th meeting of its second regular convening during the Eighth Term. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council. The study addressed the current state of the Omani economy and sources of national income. It also gave a briefing about global experiences in addressing the challenges of diversifying sources of income and financial sustainability. The study concluded with emphasis on exploring future prospects and recommendations for diversifying sources of income across various economic sectors. The meeting also reviewed a report submitted by the Social and Cultural Committee on hosting officials from the Social Protection Fund to discuss with them a mechanism for applying the social protection system.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council Office reviews several ministerial responses
Muscat: The Office of the Shura Council held its 12th periodic meeting of the second ordinary session of the 10th term (2023–2027) on Sunday, under the chair of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. During the meeting, the Council's Office reviewed a report by the Food and Water Security Committee regarding a submitted proposal on regulating the fisheries sector in Al Wusta Governorate. The report referenced the Council's previous study during its ninth term on artisanal fishing and its challenges. The committee affirmed its alignment with the ideas and developmental proposals outlined in the proposal and recommended their implementation in a manner tailored to the specific needs of each governorate involved in artisanal fishing. The Office also discussed the response from the Minister of Finance regarding an inquiry on the ministry's procedures for auditing service fees in the Sultanate of Oman. The response confirmed the existence of an updated database maintained in accordance with laws, regulations, and new decisions. Additionally, the Office examined the response from the Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the Board of the Social Protection Fund, concerning the reduction or purchase of service years for employees working outside Oman. The response clarified that the Social Protection Fund issued new rules in 2024 regarding the purchase of notional service periods, noting that pensions are determined by service duration, retirement age, and contribution values. The Office further reviewed a submitted proposal on establishing mechanisms to enhance the economic impact of scientific research and innovation in Oman, emphasising its importance in supporting the national economy and knowledge development. During the meeting, the Office also approved several follow-up instruments submitted by members of the Council, which were referred to the relevant authorities. These included a question addressed to the Minister of Education regarding the results of General Education Diploma students for the current academic year.
Observer
30-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Focus on occupational safety
SUHAR: The Social Protection Fund, in cooperation with Sohar University, on Wednesday organised the Occupational Safety and Health Forum under the title 'Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation: Our Path to a Safer Work Environment.' Ahmed Khalfan al Zaabi, Director of the Social Protection Fund in Al Batinah North Governorate, stated that the forum aims to raise awareness about the importance of occupational safety and health. Dr Mohammed Abdullah al Muqbali, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs at Sohar University, emphasised that building a safe and sustainable work and educational environment is part of the university's academic and social mission.
