On the occasion of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day, citizens have hailed the government for enacting the Social Protection Law and setting up the Social Protection Fund saying these ground-breaking reforms balance the different objectives of enhancing intergenerational equity, increasing financial sustainability, improving adequacy of benefits and extending coverage, especially among the most vulnerable workers.
They say the effective social protection measures represent a powerful driver for positive change which was the aim of the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This jump towards prosperity signifies the transformative impact that well-designed social protection measures can have on the lives of individuals and the broader society, creating a foundation for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The Social Protection Fund aims to reach the hearts of the elderly as well as the youth, men and women. This scheme targets individuals, and its purpose is to stabilise society. Justice is the starting point of the fund, and it seeks to realise prosperity and provide a decent life for all.
The initiative allocates monthly financial assistance to Omani citizens aged 60 and above, ensuring a basic level of economic social protection during periods of reduced earning capacity. Additionally, it extends monthly financial support to Omani children from birth to 18 years of age, aiming to provide a minimum level of monetary social protection to meet their needs during this developmental stage.
The programme also extends monthly financial aid to Omani individuals with disabilities, taking into account specific criteria outlined in the executive regulations of the Social Protection Law. It is designed to assist those facing challenges due to the loss of a family breadwinner or instances where orphans or widows entitled to social insurance pensions receive insufficient benefits or none at all.
Financial support is also provided to families with lower incomes and limited earning opportunities. The entitlement is determined by the family’s income level and its members’ earning capacity, with the benefit value linked to the number of family members and the overall gross income.
Ahmed al Kethiri, a person with special needs, highlighted the Social Security Fund’s commitment to justice and inclusivity, emphasising His Majesty’s vision for the initiative. “The support is tailored to address various challenges faced by individuals, ranging from the elderly to orphans and those with disabilities,” he said, adding that the program is not merely a financial aid initiative but a reflection of the society’s aspiration to be compassionate and equitable.
Aziza Said, a widow acknowledged His Majesty’s unexpected gift as a generous gesture. She emphasised how this support would enhance their social standing in the face of life challenges, making it easier to provide for her children’s needs and helping them feel comparable to those with a living father.
Eida al Aufi, an elderly Omani woman, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I feel blessed because, in times when we require additional healthcare, this unexpected amount came to enhance my standard of living and improve my access to health services in the private sector. We genuinely appreciate this initiative.”
The initiative allocates monthly financial assistance to Omani citizens aged 60 and above, ensuring a basic level of economic social protection during periods of reduced earning capacity
Additionally, it extends monthly financial support to Omani children from birth to 18 years of age, aiming to provide a minimum level of monetary social protection to meet their needs during this developmental stage
The programme also extends monthly financial aid to Omani individuals with disabilities, taking into account specific criteria outlined in the executive regulations of the Social Protection Law. It is designed to assist those facing challenges due to the loss of a family breadwinner or instances where orphans or widows entitled to social insurance pensions receive insufficient benefits or none at all
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